The Scaloni era returns to La Bombonera to face Uruguay
The Argentina national team, guided by Lionel Scaloni, resumes its path toward the 2026 World Cup with a bold start that mirrors the ambition of the squad that lifted the title in Qatar. After two home games at the Monumental, the team shifts venue to Buenos Aires to host Uruguay on the fifth matchday of the South American Qualifiers, a clash scheduled at La Bombonera that promises intensity for fans in Canada, the United States, and beyond.
Tickets Sold Out: La Bombonera Ready to Welcome a Full House
The decision to switch venues stems from the River Plate venue being booked for concerts throughout the month, making it unavailable for this fixture. Although Córdoba had been considered as a potential home venue at Mario Kempes, the players asked the AFA to stay in Buenos Aires to focus on the next challenge, which is Brazil in the Maracane2 later in the schedule.
On the Qatar road to the world title, Alberto J. Armando hosted Argentina on three occasions: the 1-0 win against Ecuador in the opener, the 1-1 draw with Paraguay on date three (when the Monumental was undergoing renovations during the pandemic), and a 3-0 victory over Venezuela on date 17, Argentina’s last match on home soil before becoming champions. Scaloni has spoken of preferring venues that allow the audience to create a warm, motivating atmosphere, and La Bombonera certainly fits that description.
Overall, Argentina has a strong record at La Bombonera: 22 wins, 10 draws, and just 2 losses in 34 matches, equating to 74.2% points collected at home. The caveat remains the 2-2 draw with Peru that delayed qualification for the 1970 World Cup, a reminder that even great teams face hiccups on the road to glory.
Here is a snapshot of Argentina’s historical results at La Bombonera, reflecting a long history of memorable encounters and milestones that have shaped the team’s identity on international soil:
07/09/1925 | Friendly | Argentina 1-1 Paraguay
29-11-1925 | America’s Cup | Argentina 2-0 Paraguay
20-12-1925 | America’s Cup | Argentina 3-1 Paraguay
25-12-1925 | America’s Cup | Argentina 2-2 Brazil
29-05-1926 | Chevalier Boutell Cup | Argentina 2-1 Paraguay
01/09/1937 | America’s Cup | Argentina 6-1 Paraguay
14-11-1956 | Friendly | Argentina 2-2 Uruguay
20/10/1957 | Qualifications | Argentina 4-0 Chile
24-08-1969 | Qualifications | Argentina 1-0 Bolivia
08-31-1969 | Qualifications | Argentina 2-2 Peru
01/08/1971 | Friendly | Argentina 3-4 France
27-07-1973 | Castile Cup | Argentina 3-1 Peru
09/09/1973 | Qualifications | Argentina 4-0 Bolivia
10/07/1973 | Qualifications | Argentina 3-1 Paraguay
27-02-1977 | Friendly | Argentina 5-1 Hungary
29-05-1977 | Friendly | Argentina 3-1 Poland
06/05/1977 | Friendly | Argentina 1-3 Germany
06/12/1977 | Friendly | Argentina 1-1 England
18-06-1977 | Friendly | Argentina 1-1 Scotland
26/06/1977 | Friendly | Argentina 0-0 France
24-08-1977 | Bogado Cup | Argentina 2-1 Paraguay
19-03-1978 | Castile Cup | Argentina 2-1 Peru
29-03-1978 | Friendly | Argentina 3-1 Bulgaria
06/12/1977 | Friendly | Argentina 2-0 Romania
19-04-1978 | Friendly | Argentina 3-1 Ireland
05/03/1978 | Friendly | Argentina 3-0 Uruguay
26/11/1992 | Friendly | Argentina 2-0 Poland
16-11-1997 | Qualifications | Argentina 1-1 Colombia
21/11/2012 | America’s Super Classic | Argentina 2-1 Brazil
10/05/2017 | Qualifications | Argentina 0-0 Peru
29/05/2018 | Friendly | Argentina 4-0 Haiti
10/08/2020 | Qualifications | Argentina 1-0 Ecuador
12/11/2020 | Qualifications | Argentina 1-1 Paraguay
25/03/2022 | Qualifications | Argentina 3-0 Venezuela
Notes from analysts and fans in North America indicate that the match against Uruguay will be a key indicator of how the team has adapted since the World Cup triumph, as Scaloni continues to build a squad capable of competing on multiple continents and in diverse tactical environments. The Uruguay clash at La Bombonera will be observed with particular interest by supporters in Canada and the United States, where Argentina’s fan base remains highly active and engaged. The association between a strong domestic record and international performance continues to be a talking point, especially in markets where broadcasts reach wide audiences and highlight the ongoing evolution of Argentine football at the highest level.