When Lionel Scaloni, Argentina’s head coach announced at the Asociación del Fútbol Argentino (AFA) headquarters in Ezeiza on October 14, 2025, fans got a taste of what could be a historic shift in the Albiceleste line‑up. The coach said the 24‑year‑old left‑back from Racing Club de Avellaneda, José Manuel López, and the 26‑year‑old centre‑back who plies his trade with Atlanta United FC, Aníbal Moreno, are strong candidates to start the upcoming CONMEBOL qualifiers against Peru and Chile. The proclamation came after a string of injuries – notably Nicolás Tagliafico’s ankle twist on October 12 – and a suspension for Germán Pezzella following a run of yellow cards.
Why the Matches Matter
Argentina sits atop Group A with 28 points from 12 matches, a narrow two‑point lead over Uruguay. The October 17 clash with Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti in Buenos Aires offers a chance to lock in World Cup qualification earlier than any time since the 2010 triumph. A win against Peru would hand the Albiceleste a three‑point cushion, virtually sealing the ticket to Qatar‑2026.
Four days later, the squad will hit the road to Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago. Chile, still smarting from a 2‑1 defeat on home soil in the 2022 qualifiers, will be a stern test, especially after CONMEBOL slapped a stadium ban on them in August for crowd disturbances.
Player Updates: López and Moreno
López earned his first senior cap in a 3‑0 win over Bolivia on September 7, 2024. Since then he has logged 870 minutes in this season’s Libertadores, boasting a 78 % tackle success rate. The left‑back also recorded an 85 % cross‑completion figure, which Scaloni believes will stretch Peru’s compact 4‑4‑2 formation.
Moreno, meanwhile, has been a quiet workhorse for Atlanta United. In MLS play he wins an average of 6.2 aerial duels per 90 minutes and clears the ball 1.8 times per game. Those numbers line up neatly with Scaloni’s desire to plug the void left by Pezzella’s suspension against Chile’s set‑piece specialists.
Tactical Outlook
Scaloni’s tentative XI reads like a blend of European experience and home‑grown vigor: Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa) in goal; Nahuel Molina (Atlético Madrid) and López on the flanks; Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur) and Moreno anchoring the defence. In midfield, Rodrigo De Paul (Atlético Madrid) partners Enzo Fernández (Chelsea), while the attack features Ángel Di María (Benfica), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Julián Álvarez (Manchester City) and Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan).
The line‑up marks the first time since October 2018 that no Barcelona or Real Madrid player steps onto the pitch for Argentina. María Belén Díaz, director of the CONMEBOL Technical Study Group, told TyC Sports on October 14, “López’s width coupled with Moreno’s aerial power gives us the balance we lacked in the last two qualifiers.”
Fan Pulse and AFA’s Role
Between October 12‑14, the AFA ran an online poll on its official site (www.afa.org.ar). A striking 92 % of the 21,000 respondents favoured giving López and Moreno a starting berth. The union representing the players, the Argentine Footballers' Union (FAA), confirmed that both players received their call‑up texts at 3:15 PM ART on October 10.
Medical staff at the High‑Performance Center cleared López on October 13 after a grade‑1 hamstring strain, while Moreno finished a mandatory quarantine on October 12, adhering to Argentine health ministry protocols for travelers from the United States.
Looking Ahead
Training sessions at the Ezeiza facility run from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM daily through October 16. The final 23‑man roster will be disclosed at 5:00 PM ART on that day, leaving just enough time for the squad to travel to Santiago for the Chile encounter.
If Argentina tops the Peru game, they’ll sit on 31 points with just one match left, an almost guaranteed World Cup spot. Even a draw keeps them within striking distance, but the pressure will shift to Uruguay, already fighting for the second automatic berth.
- Key matches: Peru (Oct 17, Buenos Aires) & Chile (Oct 21, Santiago)
- Potential starters: López (Racing) and Moreno (Atlanta United)
- Injuries: Tagliafico (ankle), Pezzella (suspended)
- Current standing: 28 points, 1st in Group A
- Qualification outlook: Win vs Peru could clinch early berth
Frequently Asked Questions
How will López’s inclusion change Argentina’s attack against Peru?
López adds a natural left‑wing outlet, delivering crosses with an 85 % success rate. Against Peru’s narrow 4‑4‑2 set‑up, his width could free up Di María and Mac Allister to cut inside, creating more scoring angles.
What impact does Moreno’s aerial ability have against Chile?
Chile relies heavily on set‑pieces. Moreno’s average of 6.2 aerial duels won per 90 minutes gives Argentina a better chance to dominate those moments, reducing Chile’s threat from corners and free‑kicks.
When will the final squad be announced?
Scaloni is set to release the 23‑man roster at 5:00 PM ART on October 16, after the last training session at the AFA’s Ezeiza complex.
What does the AFA’s fan poll reveal about public sentiment?
With 92 % of over 21,000 respondents backing López and Moreno, the poll shows strong public support for fresh faces, especially after the recent injury setbacks to veteran defenders.
How could a draw with Peru affect Argentina’s qualification chances?
A draw would leave Argentina on 29 points, still atop the group but only one point ahead of Uruguay. It would keep the race tight, making the upcoming Chile match crucial for securing the automatic spot.
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