Argentina vs Honduras 7 June 2026 Prediction

Argentina are preparing to defend their World Cup title. In the final stage of preparation for the 2026 World Cup, Messi and company have chosen relatively modest opponents to build rhythm. After a 5-0 win over Zambia, Lionel Scaloni’s team will face Honduras. Messi is unlikely to take part this time, but will that help Honduras avoid a heavy defeat?

Preparing to Defend the Title

Argentina have been highly consistent since winning the 2022 World Cup. At the next major tournament, the Copa America, Messi and company lifted another trophy, beating Colombia in extra time in the final. In South American qualifying for the upcoming World Cup, Scaloni’s team made the path look comfortable: 12 wins in 18 matches and first place, nine points clear of their closest challenger.

The strong form has continued in friendly matches. Argentina have won five straight warm-up games. However, all of those wins came against opponents clearly below their level, such as Zambia (5-0) and Angola (2-0). There is also an interesting pattern here: before the previous World Cup, Messi and company also warmed up against weaker opposition, with Jamaica (3-0), Honduras (3-0), and the UAE (5-0) their final opponents before the tournament.

Scaloni managed the workload against Zambia, making eight substitutions during the match. Messi played the full 90 minutes and scored, but he is unlikely to feature in the upcoming game due to muscle fatigue. That is not the only important concern: starting goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is doubtful because of a finger injury. We expect Rulli to start in goal after not playing against Zambia, while young talent Nico Paz should take the No. 10 role. Given the level of the opponent, several rotation players could also start or appear during the match: veteran Acuna and Lisandro Martinez may refresh the defensive line, Palacios can add energy in midfield, and Prestianni or Mastantuono may be used on the right flank.

A Test for the Underdog

Honduras are a team for whom participation is already a key objective. They do not have major achievements at international level, but they are not usually an easy opponent either. In 2026 World Cup qualifying, Honduras comfortably passed the opening stage against weak opposition, winning all four matches with a 12-2 goal difference. In the final qualifying round, Honduras lost the direct qualifying spot to Haiti. Still, they did not lose to Haiti in head-to-head meetings, drawing 1-1 away and winning 3-0 at home.

During this camp, Honduras have already played a friendly against Peru (2-2). Honduras not only held a solid opponent to a draw, but also outperformed Peru in expected goals: 2.11 xG against 0.88. That said, they rarely face elite-level teams in friendlies. Over the past few years, their previous meeting with Argentina (0-3) was the only comparable test.

Honduras do not have major stars, but they do have system players. Their defense is anchored by Levante defender Kervin Arriaga, who played eight matches in the latest World Cup qualifying campaign, while Luis Palma of Lech provides creativity after recording 10 goals and six assists in the 2025/26 Polish league season, along with six assists in 10 World Cup qualifying matches. Palma is central to their attacking play. It is also worth noting that Honduras did not use their strongest starting lineup against Peru. Right back Vega, defensive midfielder Flores, and winger Rodriguez all came on during the match, but they are usually starters. Against a stronger Argentina side, we expect them to start.

Argentina vs Honduras Predicted Lineup

Argentina (4-2-3-1): Rulli – Molina, Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Acuna – Palacios, De Paul – Prestianni, Paz, Almada – Alvarez

Will not play: E. Martinez, Messi (both doubtful)

Manager: Lionel Scaloni

Honduras (4-2-3-1): Menjivar – Melendez, Sacaza, Arriaga, Vega – Flores, Rosales – Rodriguez, Palma, Rivas – Benguche

Will not play: –

Manager: Jose Francisco Molina

Argentina vs Honduras Prediction: Argentina -2.5 Handicap at 2.18

• Main prediction: Argentina have become a stronger and more complete team in recent years and continue to play at a high level. Scaloni’s side went through 2026 World Cup qualifying confidently, won the Copa America, and have now recorded five straight friendly wins with a combined goal difference of 16-1. Messi is unlikely to be available, but this version of Argentina is strong because of its team structure as well as individual quality. Scaloni has enough depth to beat opponents of Honduras’ level comfortably. Molina’s team rarely faces elite opposition, and when it does, the results are often difficult. Besides the previous head-to-head loss, Honduras also suffered heavy defeats against Mexico (0-5) and Canada (0-6), and Argentina are at least a level above those teams. Our pick is Argentina -2.5 handicap at 2.18. A higher-risk option is correct score 3-0 at 5.50.
• Goals prediction: Over their last five friendly matches, Argentina have averaged 3.2 goals per game. At the same time, they kept a clean sheet in four of those five matches. Argentina are capable of scoring three again, but without Messi they may not push much further. Honduras, meanwhile, failed to score in three of their last five matches and now face one of the strongest defensive units in world soccer. We are backing under 3.5 goals at 1.65.