Prediction: Argentina vs Mauritania

Verdict: Total home goals over 3.5

Best odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: 888sport

Argentina begin their final World Cup preparations on Friday night when they host Mauritania at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires in the first of two pre‑tournament friendlies.

The reigning world champions closed out 2025 with a 2–0 win over Angola, while their visitors arrive after suffering a 2–0 defeat against Kuwait in their most recent outing.

Argentina

Friday’s match represents one of the final chances for Argentine players to impress Lionel Scaloni ahead of the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico later this year. With squad places still to be finalised, every minute on the pitch carries added significance.

Argentina enter the contest in excellent form, having won each of their last three matches without conceding a single goal. Their dominance on home soil has been particularly striking, as they have not suffered defeat in Buenos Aires since Uruguay claimed a 3–0 victory at La Bombonera during World Cup qualifying in 2023.

While last year exposed one minor weakness—Argentina failed to win either match in which they conceded first—such instances were rare, occurring only twice. Historically, March has been a productive month for La Albiceleste, who have won their last six fixtures played during this period and have not lost in March since a 3–1 defeat to Venezuela in 2019.

Their record against African opposition is equally encouraging. Argentina have not lost to an African nation since Nigeria defeated them 4–2 in a friendly in 2017, underlining their consistency against teams from the continent.

Team News

Leonardo Balerdi and Gonzalo Montiel were omitted due to fitness issues, while Julián Álvarez could earn his 50th international cap.

Lionel Messi, Argentina’s all‑time leading scorer and most‑capped player, is closing in on another milestone, sitting four appearances shy of 200.

Messi and Lautaro Martínez were the goalscorers in the win over Angola, though Martínez is currently managing a calf problem.

Mauritania

For Mauritania, Friday is set to be a landmark occasion—arguably the most high‑profile fixture in the nation’s footballing history. The northwest African side finished fifth in their World Cup qualifying group, scoring just four goals across 10 matches, and now face the ultimate test against the world champions.

Head coach Aritz López Garai will be chasing what would be a monumental upset, which would also mark his first victory against opposition from outside Africa. Mauritania head into the match without a win in their last five internationals, suffering defeats in two of their previous three games.

Goals have been hard to come by. Mauritania failed to score in four of their last five matches in 2025, finding the net only once across that stretch. There is, however, a small positive trend under Garai’s leadership: the team hold a perfect record when scoring first, achieving that feat once this year in a 2–0 victory over Togo.

Team News

Several players will be experiencing international football for the first time. Four members of the squad are in line to earn their maiden caps, including Rangers forward Djeidi Gassama and Angers defender Jordan Lefort.

Veteran forward Hacen also has a personal milestone within reach, as the 30‑year‑old could move into second place on Mauritania’s all‑time scoring list. He currently sits level with Ismaël Diakité on nine goals.

Conclusion

While this fixture will be remembered fondly by Mauritania’s players regardless of the outcome, the challenge of facing a side brimming with elite talent is immense. The sense of occasion alone may be overwhelming, and that is likely to work in Argentina’s favour.

With momentum, quality and home support on their side, the world champions are expected to ease to a comfortable victory as they continue fine‑tuning for the World Cup.

Verdict: Total home goals over 3.5

Best odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: 888sport