World champions Argentina are set to continue their journey toward qualifying for the 2026 World Cup as they face Chile at Estadio Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires on Thursday.
La Albiceleste will be taking the field for the first time since their Copa America victory in July, eager to extend their winning streak. On the other hand, Chile, which failed to score in any of their three group stage games at the Copa America, was eliminated early and will be hoping to turn their fortunes around.
As usual when Argentina faces Chile, expect the match to be heated. Chile always raises their game against Argentina, and this time will be no exception. Chile needs points—even if they have to be claimed in Buenos Aires. But how likely are they to leave with points? Very, very slim.
While La Albiceleste are at the top of the South American standings after six matches, La Roja find themselves in eighth place, two points off the qualification spots.
Argentina's most recent World Cup qualifier was a 0-1 win against Brazil, while Chile's last match was a 1-0 loss to Ecuador. The numbers are clear: any result other than a win for Argentina at home against Chile would be a surprise.
Argentina will be without Lionel Messi, who is still recovering from an ankle injury sustained in the Copa America final. Defenders Nicolas Tagliafico and Leonardo Balerdi are also out due to injury, and Angel Di Maria and Franco Armani have retired from international football.
Tagliafico's absence leaves Argentina short of left-backs, with only Valentin Barco available. In attack, coach Scaloni may choose between Nicolas Gonzalez, Alejandro Garnacho, or Paulo Dybala to join Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez.
ARGENTINA predicted lineup vs CHILE: E. Martinez (GK); Molina, Romero, Li. Martinez, Barco; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Gonzalez, La. Martinez, Alvarez.
Chile will be missing 41-year-old goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, who has retired from international football, along with injured Alexis Sanchez and Diego Valdes.
Arturo Vidal, Gary Medel, and Francisco Sierralta have been omitted from Gareca's squad. Swansea City's Lawrence Vigouroux, the only uncapped player, will compete with Gabriel Arias and Brayan Cortes for a spot. Erick Pulgar may join Marcelino Nunez and Rodrigo Echeverria in midfield, while Eduardo Vargas and Ben Brereton Diaz are expected to team up in attack.
CHILE predicted lineup vs ARGENTINA: Arias (GK); Isla, Lichnovsky, Maripan, Mena; Nunez, Pulgar, Echeverria; Osorio, Vargas, Brereton Diaz.
La Albiceleste have been on an absolute tear, clinching the title in the last four consecutive cup tournaments they've entered—two Copa Americas, one World Cup, and one Finalissima.
They're coming into this match with an impressive 11-match winning streak and have tasted defeat just once in their last 26 games. Argentina has only lost 2 of their last 63 matches. In their last 21 World Cup qualification games at home, the total goals have been under 3.5.
On the other hand, Chile has struggled on the road, winning only 1 of their last 15 away matches and losing the last 4 straight in World Cup qualification while scoring less than 1.5 goals per game. Over the last 10 competitive games, Argentina has dominated with 9 wins and just 1 loss, while Chile has managed only 1 win, 5 defeats, and 4 draws.
Chile haven’t defeated Argentina since winning the final of Copa America 2016 on penalties.
