Chile vs Argentina

Chile’s bid to reach the 2026 World Cup finals is on the line as they host continental superpower Argentina in a must-win fixture at Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Pradanos.

Time has become a sensitive factor for Chile, whose hopes of securing their first appearance in the World Cup finals since 2014 are hanging by a thread. Nailed to the bottom of the CONMEBOL section ahead of this round, Ricardo Gareca’s men have only won two of their 14 World Cup qualifiers in the current cycle (D4, L8). If it’s any consolation, they’ve gone unbeaten in three of their last four qualifying games (W1, D2), reducing the gap to seventh-placed Venezuela to five points. However, scoring issues have significantly derailed Chile’s chances of locking down an inter-confederation playoff berth, as they remain one of only two nations yet to hit double figures for this qualifying cycle (9). That ominous trend will likely continue here, with the Chileans only netting four times across their last eight matches against Argentina (D3, L5).

Meanwhile, Argentina defied Lionel Messi’s absence in March to win both World Cup qualifiers in the last international window, including a 4-1 rout of eternal rivals Brazil. In doing so, the reigning world champions secured a place in next summer’s tournament. Comfortably sitting atop the CONMEBOL qualifying group (W10, D1, L3), Lionel Scaloni’s men head into proceedings seeking a fourth consecutive qualifying win, with fans hoping to see Messi back to the squad. However, defensive solidity remains the main ingredient behind Argentina’s continental dominance, as they’ve conceded 2+ goals only twice across their last 19 internationals.