Argentina prepares for Costa Rica friendly following loss to Uruguay

Argentina will face Costa Rica on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at the Mario Alberto Kempes stadium in Córdoba. This match serves as the second friendly match of the November FIFA international window. The fixture follows a 2-1 loss for Argentina against Uruguay at La Bombonera.

Squad selection and absences

Head coach Lionel Scaloni has called up a 28-player squad for the upcoming match in Córdoba. The roster includes players such as Aarón Anselmino, Mariano Troilo, and Gonzalo Montiel. Several key members of the Argentina national team are unavailable for this fixture due to injury, including Cristian Romero, Lautaro Martínez, and Nicolás González. Additionally, Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso are not included in the current squad call-up.

During the previous friendly against Uruguay, Gerónimo Rulli served as the goalkeeper and the team captain. The match against Uruguay resulted in a 2-1 scoreline for the Uruguayan side. This loss comes as Argentina prepares for future competitive cycles, with the 2030 World Cup Qualifiers expected to begin in September 2027.

Costa Rica status and injuries

Costa Rica enters the match following a 2-0 loss to Ecuador on November 14, 2026. The Costa Rican side faces personnel challenges as defender Alexis Gamboa sustained an injury during the match against Ecuador. Gamboa will undergo medical evaluation in Costa Rica to determine the extent of the injury.

The scheduled kickoff in Córdoba is set for 8:00 PM. In Costa Rica, the kickoff time will be 5:00 PM. This friendly match is part of the broader international schedule for the current FIFA window.

Coaching staff changes

The upcoming match marks a transition within the Argentina national team technical staff. Walter Samuel is departing the coaching staff of Lionel Scaloni. According to El Intransigente, Samuel is leaving the staff to begin a career as a head coach, likely in Europe. This departure occurs as the team continues its preparations for upcoming international fixtures.

Argentina currently holds the status of World Cup runner-up. The national team will continue its international schedule through 2027, with further matches expected during that year. The team remains focused on maintaining competitive standards ahead of the 2030 World Cup Qualifiers.

Glossary

• Córdoba — Córdoba is a city where association football is the most popular sport. It is also a location where basketball and rugby union are popular sports.
• Mario Alberto Kempes stadium — The Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium is located in Córdoba. It is a venue used for football matches, such as the semifinal between Rosario Central and River Plate.
• La Bombonera — La Bombonera is a stadium used by Boca Juniors. It is the site where superclásicos are played.