Argentina 35-21 Wales: Los Pumas Deliver a Statement Win at Nations Championship 2026
The Argentina Wales Nations Championship 2026 match delivered exactly what Los Pumas needed: a complete, convincing performance that silenced the doubters after a difficult opening loss to Scotland. According to World Rugby, Argentina remain one of the sport’s most compelling stories.
Argentina 35–21 Wales. San Juan, July 11. Five tries to three. A statement.
The Context: Bouncing Back from Scotland
Los Pumas entered this match under pressure. Their Nations Championship opener on July 4 had ended in a 47–38 defeat to Scotland — a scoreline that flattered neither side but left Argentina with questions to answer about their defensive structure. Against Wales, they answered every one of them.
From the first whistle, Argentina controlled the tempo. Their scrum was dominant, their lineout functioned with precision, and the back line showed the pace and creativity that Felipe Contepomi has been building since taking charge in late 2023.
The Try Scorers
Joaquín Oviedo was the standout performer, crossing for two tries in a barnstorming display from the back row. The Jaguares XV flanker has been one of the revelations of Argentine rugby in 2025-26, combining physicality with remarkable ball-carrying ability.
Justo Piccardo, Marcos Kremer, and Santiago Carreras also touched down, with Tomás Albornoz adding 10 points from the boot to complete an impressive individual contribution at fly-half.
Wales managed three tries of their own — all converted by Sam Costelow — but never threatened to overturn a deficit that grew steadily throughout the match.
Carreras: The X-Factor
Santiago Carreras deserves special mention. The Bath Rugby back, equally comfortable at fullback, wing, or fly-half, was central to everything Argentina did with ball in hand. His ability to fix defenders, create space, and finish under pressure made him unplayable at times.
It is no coincidence that when Carreras is in form, Los Pumas are at their most dangerous. Contepomi has built an attack around his versatility, and against Wales it worked to perfection.
What It Means
Three points from six. Argentina’s Nations Championship campaign is far from over, but this result restores belief. Two wins from their remaining matches — against England on July 18 and whatever follows — would put Los Pumas firmly in contention.
The squad is in good shape. The morale, after watching their football counterparts beat England in the World Cup semi-final on July 15, could not be higher.
Santiago del Estero on Saturday. England next. Los Pumas are ready.
