Argentina travel to Santiago to face Chile in 2026 World Cup qualifying on Thursday night. Lionel Scaloni's men have already booked their spot at the finals, while the hosts are in grave danger of missing out in a third successive World Cup.
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Chile vs Argentina prediction: Fourth straight win in store for the Albiceleste
Key stats
- Chile are one of just two nations yet to reach double figures for goals (nine) so far in CONMEBOL qualifying.
- Argentina are unbeaten in eight matches against Chile, conceding only four goals in that time.
- Chile have won just two of their 14 qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
- Argentina enter this fixture on the back of a three-game winning streak, and no team has won more points on the road than them in World Cup qualifying (13).
Correct score prediction: Chile 0-2 Argentina
It has been a campaign to forget for Chile, and considering Bolivia came here and won earlier in the campaign, there is little down for them against the might of world champions Argentina, who are eight points clear at the top.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Visitors clear favourites with the bookmakers
- HOME: 18/5 (4.60) – 21.7%
- DRAW: 13/5 (3.60) – 27.8%
- AWAY: 3/4 (1.75) – 57.1%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
It is very rare to see a team be such big favourites for an away match in South American qualifying, but that illustrates the gulf in class between these two sides.
Argentina are priced at 3/4 to take all three points in this one, which gives them an implied probability of 57.1% to do so, in what would be a fourth straight win for Scaloni's side.
Also, feel free to check out our expert predictions and football betting tips today.
Most recent H2Hs: Argentina looking to extend dominant run
Since losing the 2016 Copa America final to Chile, Argentina are unbeaten in eight games against La Roja, and they have only lost three competitive meetings against their upcoming opponents in their history, with a 3-0 win last year showcasing the step up in class among the Albiceleste squad.
South America - World Cup Qualifying 06/09/24
Argentina
Chile
Copa America 26/06/24
Chile
Argentina
South America - World Cup Qualifying 28/01/22
Chile
Argentina
Copa America 14/06/21
Argentina
Chile
South America - World Cup Qualifying 04/06/21
Argentina
Chile
Chile preview: Faint hopes of a playoff spot
Hope is not yet lost for Chile, as they can still finish in seventh place, which would grant them a shot at the intercontinental playoffs, but it looks a tall order from this position, sitting five points behind Venezuela.
Manager Ricardo Gareca is also without key defender Paulo Diaz due to injury, while captain Alexis Sanchez has not enjoyed much game time at Udinese this season.
Predicted lineup: Cortes (GK), Loyola, Maripan, Sierralta, Suazo, Vidal, Echeverria, Pizarro, Osorio, Sanchez & Valdes
South America - World Cup Qualifying 26/03/25
D
Ecuador
0
Chile
0
South America - World Cup Qualifying 20/03/25
L
Paraguay
1
Chile
0
International Match 08/02/25
W
Panama
1
Chile
6
South America - World Cup Qualifying 20/11/24
W
Venezuela
2
Chile
4
South America - World Cup Qualifying 16/11/24
D
Peru
0
Chile
0
Argentina preview: Messi set to return
With qualification already secured, Scaloni can afford to experiment and try new ideas in their final four qualifiers, but one thing is for certain, and this is Lionel Messi will be in the starting XI on Thursday night.
Alexis Mac Allister will not be though, as the Liverpool man has pulled out with injury, joining Paulo Dybala and Lisandro Martinez on the sidelines.
Predicted lineup: E Martinez (GK), Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico, De Paul, Enzo, Paredes, Messi, La. Martinez & Alvarez
South America - World Cup Qualifying 26/03/25
W
Brazil
1
Argentina
4
South America - World Cup Qualifying 21/03/25
W
Uruguay
0
Argentina
1
South America - World Cup Qualifying 20/11/24
W
Peru
0
Argentina
1
South America - World Cup Qualifying 14/11/24
L
Paraguay
2
Argentina
1
South America - World Cup Qualifying 16/10/24
W
Bolivia
0
Argentina
6
Player to watch: Lionel Messi
All eyes will be on Messi as he returns to the fold after missing March's qualifiers, and he brings excellent form into this one from MLS.
The Argentina skipper has scored four and assisted four in his last two matches for Inter Miami, and this Chile team at present are playing at an even lower level than most MLS clubs, so the Albiceleste number 10 could have a field day in Santiago.