Argentina vs. Chile: 2026 World Cup qualifier preview

Júlia Moura September 4, 2024

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Argentina vs. Chile: 2026 World Cup qualifier preview

The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers are already well underway in South America, with approximately a third of the matches completed before the September international break. As the competition resumes, one of the most anticipated fixtures features two of the continent’s traditional football powerhouses: Argentina and Chile. However, Argentina, the reigning world champion, will face this crucial match without their star player, Lionel Messi.

Betting expert Feargal Brennan has analyzed the odds for this game, set to take place at the Mas Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on Friday morning at 1 am. Argentina has been in remarkable form under coach Lionel Scaloni, having won the last three major tournaments they participated in, including the 2022 World Cup. In the ongoing 2026 Qualifiers, Argentina sits atop the CONMEBOL standings with five wins from six games, a run marked by their exceptional defence—keeping clean sheets in their last five victories. This defensive strength suggests a strong possibility that Argentina will secure another win against Chile without conceding a goal.

Despite Messi’s absence due to an ankle injury, Argentina has proven they can still secure wins, albeit with narrower margins. Out of their six Qualifier matches in 2023, only one saw more than 2.5 goals, reflecting their cautious approach without Messi. Similarly, all their Copa America matches this year also featured fewer than 2.5 goals.

A key aspect of Argentina’s recent performances is their tendency to break the deadlock late in games. During the Copa America, four of their nine goals were scored after the 60th minute, including Lautaro Martínez’s crucial 88th-minute winner against Chile. This pattern suggests that Friday’s match could remain tightly contested until the final third, with Chile likely to hold their ground before Argentina potentially clinches victory in the closing stages.

Without Messi, Argentina will rely heavily on their solid defence and the attacking prowess of players like Lautaro Martínez to overcome Chile in the final minutes, securing three more crucial points in their quest for a spot in the 2026 World Cup.