Argentina vs Costa Rica Preview, prediction, injury news & lineups | International friendly 2026
Los Ticos have never secured a win against La Albiceleste!
The Argentina national football team will have a face-off against the Costa Rica national football team in what is going to be an international friendly outing. This clash is all set to take place at the Mario Alberto Kempes.
Argentina are coming off a 1-2 loss at the hands of Uruguay in their recent friendly clash. Despite controlling the majority of ball possession, they were not good enough in the final third. The Lionel Scaloni-led side lacked the finishing touch.
Their performance was quite poor in the backline, making it tougher for them to stop the rivals. La Albiceleste will be eager to get back to winning ways. They surely have a strong lineup and need a strong strategy this time around. Being at home will be a big help for them.
On the other hand, Costa Rica are also coming off a 0-2 loss. They fell prey to Ecuador in their previous matchup and can be under pressure for their next one, as they have lacked consistency. Los Ticos were not good enough on the attacking front, with only four shots and none of them went in.
They will need a better approach in their upcoming fixture. Bryan Ruiz’s men must control the game from the very beginning. They will be away from home, putting them under additional pressure.
Kick-off:
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- Location: Córdoba, Argentina
- Stadium: Mario Alberto Kempes
- Date: Wednesday, November 18
- Kick-off Time: 04:30 AM IST (Tuesday, Nov 17; 11:00 PM GMT/ 07:00 PM ET/ 04:00 PM PT)
- Referee: TBA
- VAR: In use
Form:
Argentina: L-W-W-W-L
Costa Rica: L-L-W-W-L
Players to Watch
Julian Alvarez (Argentina)
Julian Alvarez was the sole goalscorer for his national football team in their 1-2 loss against Uruguay. He took the most shots (4) and had the most touches (7) in the opposition box. The Atletico Madrid star will be eager to come up with another top performance and help his side in the final third.
Douglas López (Costa Rica)
Douglas López will be looking to step up his game so that he can help his side stand a chance against La Albiceleste. He can be very useful both in the midfield and the attacking front for the Costa Rica national football team. The 28-year-old will be eager to come up with a top performance.
Match Facts
- Argentina have scored 15 goals in their last four friendly outings.
- Costa Rica have two wins in their last five attempts.
- La Albiceleste are undefeated against Los Ticos.
Betting Tips & Odds
- La Albiceleste to win
- Julian Alvarez to score
- Goals over 3.5
Injury and Team News
Argentina will be ready with all their players fit and ready to be in action.
Diego Mesen will sit out for Costa Rica. He received a red card against Ecuador.
Head-to-Head
Matches played: 7
Argentina (wins): 5
Costa Rica (wins): 0
Draws: 2
Predicted Lineups
Argentina predicted XI (4-3-3)
Rulli (GK); Montiel, Balerdi, Martinez, Medina; Fernandez, Palacios, Mac Allister; Paz, Alvarez, Almada
Costa Rica predicted XI (4-1-4-1)
Sequeira (GK); Myrie, Vargas, Calvo, Mora; Wilson; Mora, Lopez, Soto, Alcocer; Ugalde
Match Prediction
La Albiceleste at home will have a significant advantage. Costa Rica lack squad quality and might struggle. Lionel Scaloni’s men are likely to come out on top and secure a win.
Prediction: Argentina 3-1 Costa Rica
Telecast Details
Argentina: TyC Sports Argentina, Telefe Argentina, TyC Sports Play, mitelefe
Costa Rica: Teletica En Vivo, Repretel En Vivo, TD7, Repretel Canal 6, Teletica Radio 91.5, TDMAX
USA: ViX
When and where is the Argentina vs Costa Rica international friendly?
This clash takes place at the Mario Alberto Kempes on November 18 at 4:30 am IST.
Where and how to watch Argentina vs Costa Rica international friendly in USA?
One can use the services of ViX.
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