Argentina vs Zambia at La Bombonera on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in what should be a lively World Cup warm-up and a special night for the home fans.
The Albiceleste already edged Mauritania 2-1 in their previous friendly, and Lionel Messi is expected to start against Zambia as Argentina wrap up their home preparations before the summer.
Zambia, meanwhile, arrive with a 23-man squad led by Patson Daka and Fashion Sakala, which gives this match a real edge despite the friendly label.
Current World Champion Argentina is preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final squad after announcing their official World Cup lineup.
Argentina vs Zambia – Match Details, Date, Time, Predictions, Lineups & More
- Match: Argentina vs Zambia.
- Tournament: International Friendly.
- Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
- Time: 7:15 PM ET / 8:15 PM local time in Buenos Aires.
- Venue: Estadio Alberto J. Armando (La Bombonera), Buenos Aires.
Team News and Analysis
Argentina Preview
Argentina enter this friendly with confidence, even if the performance against Mauritania was not perfect. Reuters reported the reigning world champions beat Mauritania 2-1 at La Bombonera, and the build-up to Zambia has centered on Argentina using these matches as World Cup preparation.
Messi trained with the squad and is expected to lead the team again, which naturally raises the intensity around the game.
The current Argentina group still has elite quality in every area of the pitch. Lionel Scaloni has already welcomed Messi, Julián Álvarez, Nahuel Molina, Valentin Barco, and other regulars into camp, while the recent Mauritania match also showed influence from Enzo Fernández and Nico Paz.
That means Argentina should look sharp in possession, aggressive without the ball, and dangerous from the first whistle.
Zambia Preview
Zambia come into the game with a mix of pride and ambition. Their local coverage says George Lwandamina named a 23-man squad for the Argentina friendly, with Patson Daka and Fashion Sakala leading the group, while Chanka Zimba also made the final cut after strong club form.
Zambia’s camp has framed the trip as a big opportunity to test themselves against the world champions.
The Chipolopolo will likely need to stay compact and make the most of transition moments if they want to stay in the game.
Their squad has enough pace and finishing threat to create problems if Argentina overcommit, but this is also a huge test of defensive discipline against a side that can keep the ball for long spells. That is an inference based on Zambia’s announced squad and the match context.
Head-to-Head Statistics
This is the first senior meeting between Argentina and Zambia, so there is no head-to-head history to lean on. That makes the matchup especially interesting because both teams are entering a brand-new international reference point rather than relying on old results.
| Date | Competition Type | Result |
|---|---|---|
| March 31, 2026 | International Friendly | Argentina vs Zambia |
Argentina vs Zambia Starting XI
- Argentina Stating XI vs Zambia (4-3-3): Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Valentín Barco; Enzo Fernández, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez, Nico Paz.
- Zambia Starting XI vs Argentina (4-3-3): Toaster Nsabata; Chongo Kabaso, Dominick Chanda, Frankie Musonda, Enock Mwepu; Miguel Chaiwa, Kelvin Mwanza, David Simukonda; Fashion Sakala, Patson Daka, Chanka Zimba.
Key Players to Watch
Argentina: Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, Rodrigo De Paul, Nahuel Molina. Messi remains the headline attraction, Álvarez gives Argentina depth up front, and Fernández brings momentum after his recent friendly goal.
Zambia: Patson Daka, Fashion Sakala, Chanka Zimba, Miguel Chaiwa, David Simukonda. Daka and Sakala are the main names to watch, while Zimba’s recent club form gives Zambia another interesting attacking option.
Match Prediction
Argentina look like the stronger side on paper and at home, especially with Messi expected to start and a deep supporting cast around him. Zambia should compete hard and can threaten in transitions, but Argentina’s control and quality in the final third should decide it.
That is an inference based on the current squad news, venue, and recent Argentina form.
- Prediction: Argentina 3-0 Zambia.
Where to Watch Argentina vs Zambia
In the United States, current listings show the match on beIN SPORTS, Fanatiz, fuboTV, ViX, beIN SPORTS en Español, and beIN SPORTS CONNECT. Fox Sports also lists the match on its schedule page.
| Region | Broadcaster / Streaming Platform |
|---|---|
| Argentina | TyC Sports, Telefe (free-to-air), DSports, and the DGO app. |
| United States | beIN SPORTS (TV); streaming on fuboTV, Fanatiz, and ViX. |
| Europe | OneFootball (Live stream available in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy). |
| Zambia | To be confirmed (typically ZNBC or SuperSport for national team fixtures). |
When is Argentina vs Zambia?
The international friendly between Argentina vs Zambia is scheduled for Tuesday, 31 March 2026.
What time does it kick off?
The kickoff time was recently pushed back by 15 minutes to 8:30 PM local time (ART).
Where is the match being played?
La Bombonera in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Where can I watch it in the U.S.?
beIN SPORTS, Fanatiz, fuboTV, ViX, beIN SPORTS en Español, and beIN SPORTS CONNECT.
Who is the favorite team?
Argentina are the clear favorite on paper because of home advantage, squad depth, and Messi’s expected start. That is an inference based on the official team news and recent results.
