In a repeat of July's Copa America final, Colombia and Argentina meet safe in the knowledge that they are both resounding favourites to reach the World Cup finals in 2026 as we approach the halfway point in qualifying.

It should still provide an intense battle, like the Copa final in the United States did over the summer, when Lautaro Martinez's goal in the 112th minute handed Argentina a second straight title.

That was Colombia's first final in 23 years, as Nestor Lorenzo has transformed the side since arriving in the summer of 2022.

The defeat in the Copa final was Lorenzo's first in charge, after 26 games at the helm, and the first for Los Cafeteros since losing again to Argentina in qualifying for the 2022 World Cup.

Colombia avoided defeat once again in their first match post-Copa, as Luis Diaz's late goal salvaged a point away in Peru on Friday night.

Despite being favourites to win considering Peru had taken just two points from their first six matches, any result on the road in CONMEBOL qualifying is a positive.

That took Colombia to 13 points, and they now sit third, a comfortable seven points clear in the automatic qualifying spots.

Argentina played earlier than most on matchday seven, and took advantage to extend their lead at the top by beating Chile 3-0 on home soil.

Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez and Paulo Dybala scored the goals as the Albiceleste made light work of a Chile side struggling near the bottom of the standings.

It leaves Lionel Scaloni's men on 18 points from a possible 21, and already 12 points clear in the automatic places, as they look set to qualify for a 14th consecutive World Cup.

Not since 1970 have Argentina failed to reach the finals, and the format was much more unforgiving back then, as the more modern 18-game format has suited them.

Wins away from home are rare in CONMEBOL, but Argentina have an excellent record on the road, as they are unbeaten in 13 away qualifiers dating back to a defeat in the altitude of Bolivia seven years ago.

With Brazil not at their best currently, and both Uruguay and Colombia dropping points last time out, Scaloni's men are now fully expected to qualify in first place, and keeping that unbeaten run going here against a strong Colombia side will strengthen their position even further.