Nations Championship 2026 Predictions: Our Calls for Every Argentina Match
Nations Championship 2026 predictions for every Argentina match — from the Springboks at Amalfitani on August 8 through to Paris in November. Los Pumas finished July 1-2 and now face six more matches that will define whether 2026 is a building year or a breakthrough year. I’m committing to a call for each one.
I’m committing to a call for each match. No “it could go either way.”
What July Told Us
Before the November predictions, the July results need honest reading.
Argentina 38–47 Scotland: The debut fixture exposed the recurring problem of Argentina’s opening match intensity. The aerial battle was lost, the maul defence inside the 25 was poor. 47 points conceded at home is a number that demands a response.
Argentina 35–21 Wales: The response came immediately. Pablo Petti’s 100th cap anchored a dominant lineout, Bautista Oviedo was the standout performer of the window, and Marcos Kremer’s return gave the loose forwards the physical balance they’d lacked against Scotland. This is what Argentina look like when everything clicks.
Argentina 24–31 England: Competitive throughout but couldn’t close it. England were sharper in the decisions that mattered in the final quarter. Argentina showed they can match northern hemisphere top teams — they didn’t show they can beat them when it’s tight.
Record: 1W-2L. Argentina need two wins from three in November to make a realistic case for the Twickenham final.
These Nations Championship 2026 predictions are built on that July evidence — not optimism.
Argentina vs South Africa — Amalfitani, 8 August
South Africa by 10.
The Springboks arrive in Buenos Aires with 11 consecutive wins, a 43-0 demolition of Wales in their last outing, and a squad stacked with returning world-class players — Etzebeth, Kolisi, Pollard, Feinberg-Mngomezulu — all motivated by World Cup 2027 selection. Argentina carry significant injury absences and the inconsistency of their July campaign into this fixture.
Amalfitani will be packed and loud. Los Pumas will push the Springboks hard in the first quarter. But South Africa’s defensive structure and scrum dominance will tell in the second half.
Bold call: Argentina keep it within 7 for 60 minutes before South Africa pull away.
Argentina vs Australia — Jujuy, 29 August
Argentina by 15.
Australia are the most unpredictable team in the Nations Championship but this is a fixture Los Pumas should win at home. Jujuy’s altitude is a factor that will affect the Wallabies more than the home side. Argentina need this win to keep any title ambitions alive after facing the Springboks.
Argentina vs Australia — Mendoza, 5 September
Argentina by 12.
A second consecutive home win over Australia is achievable and necessary. Two wins from two against the Wallabies gives Argentina the platform heading into the November European tour.
Prediction 1 — Ireland vs Argentina (Aviva Stadium, 7 November)
Ireland by 10.
Ireland at the Aviva is the hardest assignment in northern hemisphere Test rugby. Their defensive line speed will target exactly what Argentina showed as a weakness in July — handling under pressure, aerial contest, decision-making when the rush defence arrives early.
Argentina can score against Ireland. Staying within striking distance at the 60-minute mark is the key. If Los Pumas are within a converted try at that point, anything is possible. If Ireland have built a 15-point lead, the game is over.
Bold call: Argentina keep it within 7. Not a win, but a losing bonus point that keeps the Twickenham picture alive.
According to RugbyPass, Ireland are currently ranked among the top three teams in world rugby heading into the November window.
Prediction 2 — Argentina vs Italy (14 November)
Argentina by 14.
This is the must-win and Argentina should deliver it. Italy have improved significantly in recent seasons — they are not a soft touch — but Los Pumas have the quality advantage and the motivation of a tournament still in reach.
The key is not starting slowly. Argentina’s debut-fixture problem in July cannot repeat itself in November when the stakes are higher. Win this convincingly and the final weekend in Paris becomes meaningful.
Bold call: Argentina win with a bonus point, four tries or more, setting up the France match with real purpose.
Prediction 3 — Argentina vs France (Stade de France, 21 November)
France by 8.
France at the Stade de France in November is one of the most difficult away Tests in world rugby. The aerial game that has been Argentina’s consistent weakness in 2026 will be France’s primary weapon — high balls, contestable kicks, pressure through the back three.
If Argentina have fixed the aerial contest by November — and three months is enough time to work on it — this match becomes competitive. If it remains the same as July, France will exploit it repeatedly.
Bold call: Argentina push France to the wire. A loss by less than 7 earns a losing bonus point and keeps the Nations Championship final conversation alive for the Pumas heading into the draw.
Nations Championship 2026 Predictions: Can Argentina Reach Twickenham?
Based on these predictions: a losing bonus point against Ireland, a win over Italy, and a narrow loss to France would leave Argentina’s final position dependent on points accumulated across the pool. It’s tight. It’s possible.
What’s certain is that the November tour defines whether 2026 is a building year or a breakthrough year for Los Pumas. As we outlined in the Argentina Nations Championship 2026 November tour preview, the talent is there — the question is consistency across three weeks in Europe.
The Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia is 12 months away. How Argentina finish this Nations Championship sets the tone for everything that follows. For the full squad and opponent breakdown, read our Nations Championship 2026 squads analysis.
