FIFA’s September window will conclude the Latin American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. World champions Argentina will face Venezuela at home on September 4 in a two-round match. They will then play Ecuador on September 9. The Albiceleste, who secured their ticket to the next World Cup well in advance, were planning to play a friendly match after qualifying. They have scheduled two matches in October.
Argentina face Venezuela in their final home qualifier before the World Cup. Lionel Scaloni’s team will play a friendly against the Latin nation again next month. Their next match is against Puerto Rico. Both matches will be played on US soil and in mid-October, said Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA).
“Our next FIFA window (October) will be in the United States. We are working on the logistics to host two matches there. The first against Venezuela at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium and the second against Puerto Rico at Chicago’s Soldier Field. Although it is a friendly match, our main focus is on preparing for the World Cup,” he told Ole.
Argentina will play their first friendly match on October 10 against Fernando Batista-led Venezuela. The Albiceleste will then face Puerto Rico on October 13. Mexico and South Korea were previously considered as possible opponents, but scheduling conflicts forced the AFA to look for alternatives. Messi and Alvarez will then tour Africa and Asia in November. They will play Angola in the capital Luanda on November 10 and Kerala in India on November 14, although their opponents there have not been determined.
Meanwhile, Messi may wear the national team jersey for the last time at home in the upcoming qualifier against Venezuela. Regarding this, he said, “This is going to be a very special match for me, because this is the last qualifier here. I don’t know if there will be any more friendly matches or other games after that (in Argentina). So that day, my wife, children, parents, siblings, and the whole family will be with me. We will enjoy it that way. I don’t know what will happen after that.” Although Messi did not comment directly on retirement, his words hint at a departure from the national team after the next World Cup. Argentina will go to the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada with the goal of retaining the 2022 title. Then, the 2030 World Cup qualifiers will begin in 2027, when Messi will be 40 years old.
When will Argentina play their friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico?
Argentina will face Venezuela on October 10, 2025, and Puerto Rico on October 13, 2025.
Where will the matches be held?
The friendly against Venezuela will be played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, while the Puerto Rico clash will be at Soldier Field, Chicago.
Why is Argentina playing these friendlies?
These matches are part of Argentina’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup, helping coach Lionel Scaloni test tactics and squad depth.
Will Lionel Messi play in these games?
Yes, Messi is expected to feature. He has hinted that these might be among his last matches before retirement.
