Argentina vs Mauritania: World Cup Warm-Up Preview & Predicted Lineups

Argentina Gears Up for Mauritania Clash Ahead of 2026 World Cup

In their first of two friendlies before the World Cup, Argentina will face Mauritania at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires on Friday. The reigning world champions won their final fixture of 2025, 2-0 over Angola, while their upcoming African opponents lost their previous match 2-0 versus Kuwait.

Match Preview

This match presents one of the last opportunities for Argentine players to impress Lionel Scaloni before the 2026 World Cup in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Argentina is currently on a three-match winning streak, having conceded no goals during that span. They haven’t lost a game in Buenos Aires since a 3-0 defeat to Uruguay in a 2023 World Cup qualifying encounter.

Last year, Argentina only lost one game after conceding the opening goal, which occurred in two matches. The team has a strong record in March, winning their last six matches played during this month, with their last defeat coming in a 3-1 loss to Venezuela in 2019. They haven’t lost to an African squad since a 4-2 friendly defeat against Nigeria in Russia in 2017.

Friday’s match is anticipated to be a historic occasion for the Mauritanian national team. The northwest African nation finished fifth in their World Cup qualifying group, scoring only four goals in ten matches. Aritz Lopez Garai will aim to secure his first win as coach against a team from outside of Africa.

Mauritania is currently winless in their last five international matches, losing two of their previous three. They also failed to score in four of their last five encounters in 2025, netting only once during that period. Under Garai, the team has a 100% record when scoring the first goal, achieving this once in 2025 with a 2-0 victory over Togo.

Argentina International Friendlies form:

Mauritania International Friendlies form:

Team News

Argentina’s squad is missing Leonardo Balerdi and Gonzalo Montiel due to injuries. Agustin Giay has been added to the squad following Montiel’s muscle injury as reported by World Soccer Talk. Julián Álvarez is set to earn his 50th cap for the national team. Lionel Messi, the team’s record goalscorer and cap holder, is four appearances away from reaching 200 caps, alongside Lautaro Martínez, who were both on the scoresheet in the 2-0 win over Angola. Lautaro Martínez is currently dealing with a calf injury.

Four Mauritania players are in line to craft their international debuts, including Djeidi Gassama of Rangers and Jordan Lefort of Angers. Hacen is tied with Ismael Diakite at nine goals and has the opportunity to become the second-highest goalscorer for the senior squad.

Argentina possible starting lineup:

Martinez. Molina, Senesi, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Almada, Messi, Alvarez

Mauritania possible starting lineup:

Diop; Keita, Ba, Saleck, Abeid; Magassa, Fofana, Hacen; Koita, Diallo, Gassama

We Say: Argentina 4-0 Mauritania

While this will be a memorable game for Mauritania, the significant difference in talent suggests Argentina will secure a comfortable victory.