The Neuquén side beat Costa Brava at Nuevo Pacaembú on matchday 18. They ended a run of four defeats and extended their recent dominance over the La Pampa club, having also won the previous two meetings.
El Taladro won on pitch three at Santo Domingo to become the tournament’s first winner. The opening round continues through Tuesday with seven more matches, while Lanús-Racing has been postponed.
AFA’s Executive Committee resolved to invite supporters across Argentine football to recognise the national team’s runner-up campaign at the 2026 World Cup. The tribute is to take place before kickoff in every official category.
The postponed round 21 Primera Nacional match has been rescheduled for Tuesday, 25 August, pending formal AFA confirmation. Before that, Godoy Cruz will host Central Norte while seeking a return to the playoff places.
Belgrano-Rosario Central and Sarmiento-Argentinos open the first round at 7:30 p.m., while Defensa y Justicia-Aldosivi close Thursday at 9:45 p.m. Eight more matches will follow through Sunday.
The core of the team is settled, but the coach still has to choose between Gonzalo Montiel and Nahuel Molina at right-back, and Rodrigo De Paul and Giuliano Simeone in midfield. Giovani Lo Celso remains an alternative.
After beating England and reaching the 2026 World Cup final, several Argentina players celebrated with a banner asserting sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands. The scene prompted a harsh British front page and moved the rivalry beyond the pitch.
Argentina trailed after Anthony Gordon’s goal, but Enzo Fernández equalised in the 85th minute from Lionel Messi’s assist and Lautaro Martínez scored the 2-1 winner in stoppage time. The champions will face Spain for the title.
Spain won 2-0 in Dallas through goals from Mikel Oyarzabal, from the penalty spot, and Pedro Porro. Luis de la Fuente’s side will play for the 2026 World Cup title against the winner of Argentina versus England.
Argentina will face England on Wednesday 15 July at 4:00 pm Argentine time at Atlanta Stadium. Both teams reach the semi-final after needing extra time to win their quarter-final matches.