2026 World Cup qualifying continues in South America this week. Our Argentina vs Chile prediction considers whether the defending world champions can take another step towards qualification.
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Argentina vs Chile prediction: Hosts to claim solid win to nil
Key stats
- Our Argentina vs Chile betting tips take into account that there have been two or fewer goals in all of La Albiceleste’s last six matches.
- There was only one goal scored in total, in Chile’s three matches at Copa America.
- It’s just one defeat in 26 matches for Argentina overall.
Correct score prediction: Argentina 1-0 Chile
Chile failed to offer any real goal threat in the USA in the summer and it’s hard to see them causing problems against such a disciplined Argentina defence. Lionel Scaloni’s team have much more quality across the pitch and should claim a solid win, although they will miss the injured Lionel Messi.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Argentina the clear favourites
- HOME: 2/5 (1.40) – 71.1%
- DRAW: 7/1 (8.00) – 12.5%
- AWAY: 18/5 (4.60) – 21.7%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The hosts are the favourites according to the Argentina vs Chile odds with an implied probability of 71.1% that they win the game.
Argentina come into this match having won Copa America in the summer, beating Colombia 1-0 in extra time in the final thanks to Lautaro Martinez’s goal.
As for Chile, they’ve not been in action since a goalless draw against Canada in their final group game at that tournament.
For more picks, today’s free football betting tips take a look at some of the best options from the international action this week.
Most recent H2Hs: La Albiceleste have the edge
Our Argentina vs Chile prediction suggests the home team will win again, having also defeated Chile 1-0 at Copa America 2024. Chile haven’t defeated Argentina since winning the final of Copa America 2016 on penalties.
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
International Match 06/09/19
Chile
Argentina
Argentina preview: Injured defenders pull out
Defenders Nicolas Tagliafico and Leonardo Balerdi have both been forced to drop out due to injury. Leo Messi is also missing as he continues to recover from an ankle issue.
Predicted Lineup: E. Martinez (GK), Barco, Lisandro Martinez, Romero, Montiel, Mac Allister, Fernandez, De Paul, Gonzalez, Alvarez & Lautaro Martinez
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
Chile preview: Alexis misses out
Key man Alexis Sanchez is not part of this Chile squad due to injury issues. Ben Brereton Diaz is in the squad and could feature off the bench.
Predicted Lineup: Arias (GK), Suazo, Maripan, Diaz, Isla, Nunez, Echeverria, Davila, Valdes, Osorio & Vargas
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
Player to watch – Lautaro Martinez
Having struggled to make a big impact at the 2022 World Cup, Martinez was key at Copa America in the summer for his team. Despite only starting twice, he scored five goals at a rate of one every 44 minutes.
A forward who comes alive late in games
It was a 112th minute goal from the striker that settled the Copa America final against Colombia. Martinez also scored 29% of his Serie A goals for Inter last season after the 75th minute.