Sabasports Match Preview
Friendly: Argentina vs Iceland
Kickoff Time: 2026-6-10 9:00 (HKT)
Argentina secured a comfortable 2-0 win over Honduras in their last friendly match, stretching their winning streak to six games. Lionel Messi was rested for the game, while Lautaro Martínez contributed one goal and one assist, with Giuliano Simeone also finding the net. Regarding Messi’s status, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni revealed that the star has joined part of the team’s training sessions and is likely to feature in the upcoming clash against Iceland. Scaloni added that the side’s optimal playing style currently relies on intricate passing combinations and collective build-up play. Rapid transitions and pure pace are not their priority at present. Nevertheless, the team will adopt a more direct and high-tempo approach if required in certain fixtures.
Iceland suffered a narrow 0-1 defeat to Japan in their previous friendly. They have recorded just two draws and two losses across their last four exhibition games, slipping into a poor run of form. Notably, Iceland attempted a substitution in the 84th minute against Japan, but a player failed to leave the pitch on time. The referee subsequently ruled against the substitution, in accordance with the new FIFA regulation which states substituted players must exit the field within 10 seconds. Less than a minute after the failed substitution, Japan capitalized to score the winning goal. Under the new rules, substitutes can only enter the field during the next dead ball situation. As a result, Iceland were forced to play with ten men for the remainder of the match.
Argentina are clearly superior to Iceland in terms of FIFA world ranking, overall squad strength and player market value. Since lifting the World Cup trophy, Argentina have maintained their competitive edge and given their all in every game, as evidenced by their solid performances in friendlies. This fixture marks Argentina’s final warm-up match ahead of the World Cup. The Albiceleste are expected to bring their full strength and chase a convincing victory to build momentum for the upcoming tournament.
Argentina ‘s Last 5 Games: WWWWW
26-06-07 Argentina 2-0 Honduras
26-04-01 Argentina 5-0 Zambia
26-03-28 Argentina 2-1 Mauritania
25-11-15 Angola 0-2 Argentina
25-10-15 Puerto Rico 0-6 Argentina
Iceland ‘s Last 5 Games: LDDLL
26-05-31 Japan 1-0 Iceland
26-04-01 Haiti 1-1 Iceland
26-03-29 Canada 2-2 Iceland
26-02-26 Mexico 4-0 Iceland
25-11-17 Ukraine 2-0 Iceland
Head-To-Head Record
18-06-16 Argentina 1-1 Northern Ireland
Prediction: Argentina win (handicap -2)