Argentina vs Iceland Preview: World Champions Expected to Continue Winning Run

Argentina head into Wednesday's international friendly as clear favourites, with Lionel Scaloni's side looking to extend their impressive winning streak against an Iceland team struggling for consistency.

The reigning world champions secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as early as March 2025 and finished at the top of the South American qualifying standings with 38 points, nine ahead of their nearest challengers. Although Argentina suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Ecuador in their final qualifier, they have responded in emphatic fashion, winning each of their last six matches.

Their most recent outing saw them claim a comfortable 2-0 victory over Honduras on Sunday. That result not only marked a sixth consecutive win but also their fifth clean sheet during that run, underlining the defensive solidity that has become a hallmark of Scaloni's team. Argentina have also been prolific in front of goal, scoring 18 times across those six victories, averaging three goals per game.

Supporters will be encouraged by the return of captain Lionel Messi, who was included in the squad against Honduras after recovering from a hamstring injury. While the veteran forward may not be risked from the start, he is expected to feature at some stage as he continues to build match fitness ahead of the World Cup. In his absence, attacking responsibilities are likely to fall on Lautaro Martinez and Thiago Almada, supported by wide players Giuliano Simeone and Nico Gonzalez.

Defensively, Argentina remain well-equipped despite a few fitness concerns. Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez are expected to anchor the backline, while goalkeeper Juan Musso could retain his place between the posts as Emiliano Martinez continues his recovery from a finger injury.

For Iceland, Wednesday's fixture presents a difficult challenge. Arnar Gunnlaugsson's side failed to qualify for a second consecutive World Cup and arrive on the back of a disappointing run of form. Their latest setback came in a 1-0 defeat to Japan, where a late goal condemned them to a fifth match without victory.

That sequence stretches back to November and includes four defeats and a draw. In fact, Iceland have managed just one win in their last nine matches, highlighting the scale of the task facing them against the world's top-ranked side.

The visitors are expected to rely heavily on goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson and a disciplined defensive unit featuring Daniel Gretarsson, Hjortur Hermannsson and Hordur Magnusson. Up front, Real Sociedad striker Orri Oskarsson will carry the main attacking threat as Iceland look to exploit any opportunities on the counterattack.

Given the contrasting form of the two teams, Argentina enter the contest as overwhelming favourites. Their combination of defensive resilience, attacking firepower and squad depth should prove too much for an Iceland side searching for confidence and momentum.

Prediction: Argentina 3-0 Iceland

Argentina's quality across the pitch, coupled with Iceland's recent struggles, points towards a comfortable victory for the world champions. Even with potential squad rotation, Scaloni's men should have more than enough to secure another convincing win and maintain their impressive run of form.