Argentina Edges Paraguay 1-0 to Maintain Unbeaten Streak in South American Qualifiers
Argentina proved their dominance over Paraguay with a tight 1-0 victory, preserving an undefeated run in the South American qualifiers for the path to the 2026 World Cup in North America. The match, staged in Buenos Aires at the iconic stadium, showcased the Albiceleste asserting control from the opening minutes and delivering a result steady with their aspirations in the continental standings.
The home side opened the scoring early, with a clinical sequence that set the tone. A corner delivered by Rodrigo De Paul found Nicolás Otamendi in a precise volley, and the captain blasted the ball past the Paraguayan goalkeeper. This goal came just as the team was regrouping after the deliberate reshuffle that saw Lionel Messi substituted in and Ángel Di María unavailable, signaling a tactical adjustment by Lionel Scaloni for the date three clash.
In the first half, Argentina dominated possession and pace, with the partnership of Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez making their first official appearance together in the national team setup. The pair looked lively and repeatedly penetrated Paraguayan defensive lines, yet the final finish eluded them as close chances fizzled or found the woodwork. The pressing and patient buildup illustrated a balanced approach, combining quick transitions with controlled build-up play that kept the visitors on their heels.
Approaching the second period, the hosts continued to press, maintaining the advantage and creating more opportunities. A notable moment involved a one-on-one for Ramón Sosa, which was well smothered by Emiliano Martínez, preserving the zero on the scoreboard for Paraguay. The period also offered a glimpse at the depth of Argentina’s squad, with the manager rotating and testing different combinations while keeping the result in focus.
Looking ahead, Argentina is set to travel to Lima for the fourth-round encounter against Peru, scheduled for Tuesday, October 17, at 11:00 PM local time. The team will aim to extend its favorable position in the table and solidify its qualification prospects with another measured performance on the road.
South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in North America feature a structured schedule with concise dates, closed-door fixtures in some venues, and a formatting approach that rewards consistency and efficiency. The competition continues to evolve, with teams refining tactical plans, building chemistry, and leveraging home-field advantages when possible.
Minute by minute coverage for the Argentina versus Paraguay match provided live updates and post-match analysis, highlighting pivotal moments, substitutions, and momentum shifts. The instant summary captured the initial surge by Argentina, the sustained pressure throughout the first half, and the decisive goal that defined the result. Highlights and ongoing commentary were shared as the game progressed, offering fans a real-time pulse of the action.
Notable social media moments circulated during the match, including posts celebrating the early strike by Otamendi and discussions about lineup changes and the strategic influence of De Paul in dictating tempo. The broadcast partners and sports outlets offered analysis, with fans following the evolving storyline as Argentina sought to extend its lead and Paraguay looked to capitalize on counterattacks later in the game.
The performance reinforced the sense that Argentina remains a formidable force in the region, capable of shaping matches through discipline, organization, and a reliability in defense when faced with rapid Paraguayan transitions. The tactical plan, backed by strong leadership on the field, signaled confidence in Scaloni’s squad depth and its ability to adapt to different scenarios while maintaining competitive edge.