Pre-World Cup 2026 friendlies: Argentina-Mauritania, likely lineups

Late in the Italian evening, at midnight and fifteen minutes between Friday and Saturday, Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina takes the field in the historic setting of the Bombonera to face Mauritania. It is an important test for the Albiceleste, which takes advantage of this break to refine its mechanisms ahead of the 2026 World Cup, while for the African national team led by Garai it represents a historic showcase against the reigning World Champions.

Scaloni has to deal with some heavy absences: remaining out through injury are Lautaro Martinez due to a calf problem, Juan Foyth and youngster Joaquin Panichelli, the latter the victim of a serious cruciate injury in training. Space, then, for rotations and ballots, with the curiosity of seeing Como talents Nico Paz and Maximo Perrone at work, called up for this international window.

Scaloni relies on the usual Dibu Martinez between the posts, protected by a defense that sees Balerdi flanked by the experienced Otamendi, with Molina and Tagliafico on the outside lanes. In the midfield acts the pair of substance and quality formed by De Paul and Enzo Fernandez. In the three-quarter: Lionel Messi will move centrally, supported by Giuliano Simeone and the running of Nico Gonzalez, all serving the sole striker Julián Alvarez.

Mauritania coach Garai lines up his side with Diop in goal, protected by the central pair Ba-Saleck. The midfield relies on the substance of Magassa and Yacoub, while in attack there is room for the possible debut of Gassama, who should make up the offensive trident along with Koita and Diallo.

Probable lineups

ARGENTINA (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Molina, Balerdi, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Enzo Fernandez; Simeone, Messi, Nico Gonzalez; Alvarez. All. Scaloni.

MAURITANIA (4-3-3): Diop; El Abd, Ba, Saleck, Abeid; Magassa, Yacoub, Mouhsine; Gassama, Koita, Diallo. All. Garai.