Preview: Argentina vs Zambia Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | International Friendly
The Selection will take on the Copper Bullets in an international friendly.
The Finalissima got cancelled, and then Argentina scheduled two international friendlies to prepare for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. They faced Mauritania a few days back and will now lock horns against Zambia. This will be the first time the World Champions will face Zambia in an international fixture.
Despite being a top-quality side, the current World Champions struggled a lot against Mauritania. They did, however, win the game 2-1. After the match, the Argentine fans surely weren’t happy with their performance.
They didn’t play the game with full intensity and were poor throughout the game. Lionel Scaloni will hope that his team don’t repeat the same mistakes against Zambia. Argentina’s current form will be very much concerning to coach Scaloni, and he will hope that his team can maintain their standards.
On the other hand, after a disappointing campaign in the AFCON, Zambia will be back in action for the first time in 2026. They fly to Buenos Aires to take on the World Champions.
Quality-wise, they are not at the same level at all, but their players will get this big opportunity to face the best. They will have to be at their best to give the home side a decent challenge. This will be an exciting and mouthwatering clash for sure.
Kick-Off:
- Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Stadium: La Bombonera Stadium
- Date: Wednesday, 1 April
- Kick-Off: 04:45 AM IST
- Referee: TBD
- VAR: In Use
Form
Argentina (in all competitions): W-L-W-D-W
Zambia (in all competitions): L-D-D-L-L
Players to Watch
Nico Paz (Argentina)
The youngster is in great form, and surely he will make it into the squad for the upcoming World Cup. In the last game as well, he scored a brilliant free kick. Paz is an all-around player who is capable of making a difference on the field.
If he keeps on performing at a high level, he will be fighting for a starting spot. Lionel Scaloni trusts him, and Paz is surely capable enough to deliver on the pitch. This season, he has played in 29 matches in which he scored 10 goals and provided six assists.
Patson Daka (Zambia)
Daka plays for Leicester City. He is known for his speed, intelligent ball movement and one-touch finishing. Argentina’s defence conceded a poor goal in the last match.
Daka will be eager to latch on to such chances against the World Champions. This season, his form has been awful, but surely he will hope to deliver his best for his national team. This season, he has played 35 matches in which he scored three goals and provided three assists.
Match Facts
- This will be the first time Argentina take on Zambia in an international friendly match.
- After AFCON, this will be Zambia’s first international fixture.
- Argentina won their last fixture by 2-1 against Mauritania.
Argentina vs Zambia: Betting Tips & Odds
- Tip 1 – Argentina to win this fixture
- Tip 2 – They will score more than two goals
- Tip 3 – Goals scored in match over 1.5
Injury and Team News
Leonardo Balerdi and Gonzalo Montiel are both left out of the Argentina squad due to injury. Joaquin Panichelli suffered an ACL injury, and he will be out for a long time. The rest of the squad is fully fit to play.
The visiting team is fine in terms of player strength and match readiness.
Head-to-Head
This will be the first time these two sides will face each other in an international fixture.
Predicted Lineups
Argentina Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Martínez (GK); Molina, Romero, Senesi, Acuña; Fernández, Mac Allister; Almada, Paz, González, Álvarez
Zambia Predicted Lineup (4-4-2):
Mwanza (GK); Chanda, Sinkala, Chiboni, Mwamba; Chisala, Chaiwa, Mulambia, Tembo; Sakala, Daka
Match Prediction
Argentina are a much better side. Since they are playing at home, they are clear favourites to win this fixture. Zambia will play their first fixture of 2026 and will hope to do well against the current World Champions.
Most probably, the home team will win this fixture.
Prediction: Argentina 3-0 Zambia
Telecast Details
USA: beIN Sports
When and where is Argentina vs Zambia international friendly?
Tuesday, 31 March 2026 at La Bombonera Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Kick-Off will take place at 11:15 PM GMT.
Will Lionel Messi play the international friendly match against Zambia?
Yes, he is likely to feature. The player is in the squad and most probably will make an appearance as a substitute.
Where and how to watch the Argentina vs Zambia international friendly match in the USA?
beIN Sports can be used to watch this fixture live in the USA.
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Manav, currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science Engineering, combines his analytical mindset with a love for high-octane action. He always stays updated with the latest from his favorite sports, whether it’s the strategic brilliance on the football field, the adrenaline-fueled drama of F1, or the raw intensity of the octagon.