Argentina vs Benin is scheduled for Tuesday, 6 October 2026 at the Estadio Más Monumental in Buenos Aires. As an official FIFA international window friendly, this historic encounter serves as Argentina’s final autumn fixture and the reported international farewell match for captain Lionel Messi. Below is the complete, comprehensive match center providing verified broadcast channels, legal live streams, global kickoff times, live score tracking, tactical predictions, and projected starting lineups.
Quick Facts / Match Info
The friendly between reigning world champions Argentina and the Cheetahs of Benin marks the first senior meeting between the two nations in international football history. Hosted at River Plate’s newly renovated Estadio Más Monumental in Núñez, Buenos Aires, this fixture concludes Argentina’s October three-match series following matches against Bolivia in Córdoba and Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires.
| Fixture | Argentina vs Benin |
|---|---|
| Competition | International Friendly (FIFA International Window) |
| Date | Tuesday, 6 October 2026 |
| Kick-off Time | To be confirmed (Evening expected in Buenos Aires, approx. 21:00 ART) |
| Stadium | Estadio Más Monumental, Núñez, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Stadium Capacity | 84,567 spectators (Sold out via Deportick in under two hours) |
| Official FIFA Ranking | Argentina: #2 (1,970 points) | Benin: #93 (1,252 points) |
| Head-to-Head Record | 0 prior senior meetings (First-ever senior international clash) |
| Key Narrative | Reported international farewell match for Lionel Messi with Argentina |
Where to Watch / Live Stream
Fans worldwide can watch Argentina vs Benin through verified, licensed broadcast and streaming platforms. In Argentina, live digital streaming is available free of charge through Telefe’s official web streaming portal and mobile app, as well as via the TyC Sports Play streaming platform for cable and satellite subscribers. Digital multi-platform access is also supported on Flow, DGO, and Telecentro Play across connected smart TVs, smartphones, and tablets.
For international supporters in North America, live streaming rights are distributed through Spanish-language services including ViX Premium and Peacock, alongside English coverage on Fubo and the FOX Sports App. In Benin and Sub-Saharan Africa, digital streams are accessible via SuperSport’s DStv Stream and Canal+ Afrique. Viewers are strongly advised to steer clear of unauthorized third-party streaming feeds, which carry high latency, malicious advertising, and cybersecurity risks.
Live Score
Follow the Argentina vs Benin live score with real-time automated match tracking directly below. The scoreboard connects directly to official sports data feeds to display live goals, assists, disciplinary cards, substitutions, and half-time statistics from the pitch in Buenos Aires.
Before kickoff, the match center maintains a disciplined "Not Started" status rather than displaying false "0-0" placeholders. The moment the referee blows the opening whistle, the score tracker transitions into active match mode, delivering minute-by-minute score updates until the final whistle confirms the official full-time scoreline.
Live Matchday Updates
AFA and host broadcasters continue final preparations. Local kickoff in Buenos Aires is expected for the evening window (horario a definir).
Gulf News and TNT Sports Argentina confirmed all 84,567 tickets at the Más Monumental sold out within two hours on Deportick.
AFA officially confirmed Lionel Messi’s farewell fixture against Benin on 6 October, with senior teammates Rodrigo De Paul and Nicolás Otamendi joining the squad for this match.
TV Channel
Linear television broadcast rights for Argentina vs Benin have been licensed to leading domestic and international sports networks. Below is the verified country-by-country television and digital broadcast directory:
| Country / Region | Official TV Channel | Live Streaming Platform | Language | Access Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina (Host) | Telefe, TyC Sports | Telefe Live, TyC Sports Play, Flow, DGO | Spanish | Free-to-Air / Cable |
| United States | Telemundo, Universo, FOX Sports 1 / 2 | Peacock, ViX Premium, Fubo, FOX Sports App | Spanish / English | Pay TV / Subscription |
| Benin & West Africa | ORTB (National TV), Canal+ Sport 1 | ORTB Live Portal, MyCanal Afrique | French | Free-to-Air / Pay TV |
| Sub-Saharan Africa | SuperSport Football, SuperSport Maximo | DStv Stream, Showmax Premier League | English / Portuguese | Pay TV / Subscription |
| United Kingdom & Ireland | Premier Sports 1 / 2 (Pending confirmation) | Premier Player | English | Subscription |
| Middle East & North Africa (MENA) | beIN Sports HD | beIN CONNECT, TOD | Arabic / English | Pay TV / Subscription |
| South Asia (Pakistan & India) | Broadcaster Rights TBC (Sony Sports / FanCode) | Official Digital Stream TBC | English / Hindi | Digital / Cable |
Broadcast schedules are subject to final regional licensing updates on match week. Always check your local network listings prior to kickoff.
Kickoff Time in Your Timezone
The Argentina vs Benin match is scheduled for the evening of Tuesday, 6 October 2026 local time in Buenos Aires (ART, UTC−3). Because an evening match in Argentina takes place during late night or early morning hours across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, fans must track their local equivalent time.
Below is the complete international kickoff time conversion table based on an anticipated 21:00 ART local stadium kickoff:
| Country / Region | Timezone | Kickoff Time | Local Day & Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina (Host) | ART (UTC−3) | 21:00 ART | Tuesday, 6 Oct 2026 |
| United States (Eastern / New York) | EDT (UTC−4) | 20:00 EDT | Tuesday, 6 Oct 2026 |
| United States (Central / Chicago) | CDT (UTC−5) | 19:00 CDT | Tuesday, 6 Oct 2026 |
| United States (Pacific / Los Angeles) | PDT (UTC−7) | 17:00 PDT | Tuesday, 6 Oct 2026 |
| United Kingdom & Ireland | BST (UTC+1) | 01:00 BST | Wednesday, 7 Oct 2026 |
| Benin / Nigeria / West Africa | WAT (UTC+1) | 01:00 WAT | Wednesday, 7 Oct 2026 |
| South Africa & Central Africa | CAT (UTC+2) | 02:00 CAT | Wednesday, 7 Oct 2026 |
| UAE / Gulf Standard Time | GST (UTC+4) | 04:00 GST | Wednesday, 7 Oct 2026 |
| Pakistan | PKT (UTC+5) | 05:00 PKT | Wednesday, 7 Oct 2026 |
| India & Sri Lanka | IST (UTC+5:30) | 05:30 IST | Wednesday, 7 Oct 2026 |
| Bangladesh | BST (UTC+6) | 06:00 BST | Wednesday, 7 Oct 2026 |
| Australia (Sydney) | AEDT (UTC+11) | 11:00 AEDT | Wednesday, 7 Oct 2026 |
Note on Daylight Saving: On 6 October 2026, the UK remains on British Summer Time (BST) and the US East Coast remains on Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). Sydney switches to AEDT on 4 October.
Prediction & Preview
Tactically, Argentina enters this fixture as heavy favourites against Benin, underpinned by Lionel Scaloni’s established tactical structure, world-class midfield dominance, and home advantage at the Monumental. Following their runners-up finish at the 2026 World Cup, the Albiceleste possess enormous technical superiority and tactical depth across all departments.
Under veteran German head coach Gernot Rohr, Benin will set up in a disciplined, low-block defensive formation (5-4-1 or 4-5-1), looking to congest the central channels and disrupt Argentina’s progressive passing lanes through physical midfielders Sessi D'Almeida and Junior Olaitan. Benin’s attacking output will rely heavily on direct transitions and set pieces targeted at captain Steve Mounié.
Argentina's control of tempo through Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister, paired with Lionel Messi’s creative vision in the final third, is expected to steadily break down Benin’s resistance. A comfortable multi-goal victory for Argentina with a defensive clean sheet represents the most realistic reading.
18+ Match Analysis: This breakdown represents editorial football tactical analysis and does not constitute financial or betting advice.
Lineups
Below are the projected tactical formations and predicted starting lineups for both Argentina and Benin, compiled from official September squad disclosures and tactical reporting:
| Position | Argentina (4-3-3 Projected) | Benin (5-4-1 Projected) |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Emiliano Martínez (Chelsea / Aston Villa) | Saturnin Allagbé (Dijon / Free Agent) |
| Right Back / RWB | Santiago Simón / Agustín Giay | Rachid Moumini (Ayema) |
| Center Back 1 | Cristian Romero (Atlético de Madrid) | Cedric Hountondji (Angers) |
| Center Back 2 | Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica - Farewell start) | Mohamed Tijani (Yverdon Sport) |
| Center Back 3 / LWB | — | Yohan Roche (Quevilly-Rouen) |
| Left Back | Nicolás Tagliafico (Lyon) | David Kiki (Farul Constanța) |
| Central Midfield | Rodrigo De Paul (Atlético de Madrid) | Sessi D'Almeida (Apollon Limassol) |
| Defensive / Deep Midfield | Enzo Fernández (Manchester City / Chelsea) | Dokou Dodo (Smouha) |
| Attacking Midfield | Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool) | Junior Olaitan (Brest) |
| Right Wing / Free Role | Lionel Messi (Captain - Inter Miami) | Jodel Dossou (Sochaux) |
| Center Forward / Left Wing | Lautaro Martínez / Julián Álvarez | Steve Mounié (Captain - Augsburg) |
Squad News, Injuries & Suspensions
- Argentina Absences: Juan Foyth and Thiago Almada are sidelined through injury. Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes were omitted following international disciplinary sanctions.
- Argentina Benin-Only Squad Additions: Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, Giovani Lo Celso, and Nicolás Otamendi were selected specifically for this Benin farewell match rather than the preceding friendlies.
- Benin Squad Profile: Head coach Gernot Rohr has assembled his premier European-based spine led by Augsburg striker Steve Mounié, Brest playmaker Junior Olaitan, and Angers defender Cedric Hountondji.
- Confirmed Lineup Timing: Official match sheets will be submitted to match officials 60 minutes prior to kickoff, upon which confirmed XIs and substitute benches will be posted immediately.
Match Guides & Resources
Questions people ask
When is Argentina vs Benin?
Tuesday, 6 October 2026, at the Estadio Más Monumental in Buenos Aires. The kick-off clock is to be confirmed.
Where can I watch Argentina vs Benin live stream?
Official streaming in Argentina is available via Telefe streaming and TyC Sports Play. In North America and other regions, coverage is handled by licensed international rights holders.
Will Messi play against Benin?
He was named for this match as a farewell. Minutes on the pitch are to be confirmed on the teamsheet. He was not scheduled for the Bolivia or Burkina Faso friendlies.
Where is the official ticket seller?
Deportick, according to AFA sale notices reported in September 2026. Gulf News later reported a sell-out. Do not use unofficial resale links.
Is there a live score yet?
No. This page will not invent a score. The status stays “not started” until the match is officially underway.
Who broadcasts Argentina vs Benin on TV?
In Argentina, Telefe and TyC Sports broadcast the match. Overseas channels include Telemundo/Universo and FOX Sports in the Americas, and ORTB/SuperSport in Africa.