Pre-World Cup 2026 friendlies: Argentina-Honduras, the probable formations

Reigning world champions Argentina are in dress rehearsals ahead of the start of the 2026 World Cup in Canada, the United States and Mexico, where they will defend the title they won four years ago in Qatar. Lautaro Martinez and his teammates make their debut in College Station, Texas, at 2 a.m. (Italian time), against Honduras, a selection that failed to qualify for the World Cup.

The Albiceleste arrive at the test match in good shape, not losing in five matches and also showing excellent defensive resilience. Lionel Messi, who has trained little with his teammates so far due to a muscle strain, will not be there. Another world champion, Emiliano Martinez, is also out of action: in his place in goal will be Rulli.

Scaloni could field an unprecedented trident with Lautaro Martinez as central point with Julian Alvarez and Giuliano Simeone on his flanks. In midfield the three world champions De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez, while the full-backs will be Molina and Tagliafico.

Honduras with the offensive tandem composed of Palma and Rivas, on the flanks will be Rodriguez and Ruiz. In midfield, Arriaga and Alvarez will manage operations.

Argentina-Honduras, the probable lineups
Argentina (4-3-3): Rulli; Molina, Martinez, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez; Alvarez, Martinez, Simeone.
Honduras (4-4-2): Menjivar; Maldonado, Rosales, Vega, Melendez; Rodriguez, Arriaga, Alvarez, Ruiz; Palma, Rivas.