Introduction to the 2026 World Cup Qualification Campaign
The 2026 World Cup qualification campaign is about to resume in South America, with only 30 percent of the process remaining. The heat is on for various teams attempting to qualify for next year’s tournament. Argentina are sitting pretty in top spot, while Chile have significant work to do. Can they spring a surprise in this one?
Chile vs Argentina Best Bets
Argentina are strong favourites to see off Chile when the two teams go head-to-head. To make the most of this matchup, we’ve compiled the best bets for Chile vs Argentina.
Chile vs Argentina Odds
Find the latest Chile vs Argentina betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.
Chile vs Argentina Predictions
We are still a year away from World Cup 2026, and Argentina already know they will be there to defend their crown. Lionel Scaloni’s side, who beat France in a thrilling final back in 2022, booked their spot at the expanded edition back in March. They are one of seven teams already guaranteed participation at the 48-team event, along with the USA, Mexico, Canada, New Zealand, Iran, and Japan.
Argentina have been utterly dominant in CONMEBOL’s qualification tournament. With 10 wins and a draw from 14 games, they have 31 points to their name – eight more than Ecuador in second place. Argentina came flying out of the blocks with four wins in a row and they have not looked back from there. Brazil have struggled for consistency, and Uruguay’s form has dipped in recent months, so Argentina have not had a proper challenger all campaign.
Argentina’s Status as South America’s Preeminent Side
There is no questioning their status as South America’s preeminent side right now. The World Cup is obviously the jewel in the crown, but Argentina have won the last two editions of the Copa America too, most recently in 2024. Wrapping up qualification early gives Scaloni the chance to experiment for the remainder of the process. Four uncapped players have been called up for the June internationals, including River Plate’s 17-year-old starlet Franco Mastantuono and Enzo Barrenechea of Valencia.
Experience and Youth in the Argentine Team
There is plenty of experience within the group too. The likes of Nicolas Otamendi, Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, and of course Lionel Messi have all been there and done it many times before, but Scaloni has indicated he will mix things up to an extent. “There will be a lot of absences, especially in the midfield,” he said at his pre-match press conference. “I haven’t confirmed the lineup yet because that will depend on training. But we’ll give a chance to players who haven’t had many minutes. It’s their moment to play.”
Chile’s Struggles
Chile are rock-bottom of the 10-team table, although a five-point deficit to the play-off spot means they retain faint qualification hopes for now. Chilean football is not in a great place right now, though. Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal remain, but the rest of the golden generation has gone – and their replacements are not of the same calibre.
Chile vs Argentina Betting Tips
Argentina are strong favourites to see off Chile when the two teams go head-to-head on Friday (UK time).
Argentina to Win
Chile only have two wins to their name in the 14 qualifiers they have contested so far, but both of those have come at home. Argentina will have to be focused on the task at hand despite Chile’s position at the foot of the table, but if they play to their potential the world champions should win this one without too much difficulty. That is the case even if Scaloni names a B side in Santiago, with Chile unlikely to be able to match Argentina.
Chile Under 0.5 Goals
Chile have struggled for goals ever since this World Cup qualification cycle began in September 2023. They have found the back of the net just nine times up to now; only Peru have a worse record in that regard. Chile have failed to score in a mammoth nine of 14 qualifiers, so opponents regularly keep clean sheets against them. There is a good chance Argentina will do so here.
Julian Alvarez to Score Any Time
Scaloni’s aforementioned comments make it difficult to predict the starting XI on Friday, but the Argentina manager is likely to opt for a blend of youth and experience. With Lionel Messi’s participation in doubt, Julian Alvarez should get the nod as part of the attacking trio. The Atletico Madrid attacker is an important player for club and country, although he will be keen to improve on a ratio of a goal every 3.67 games for Argentina.
How to Watch Chile vs Argentina
- Location: Julio Martínez Pradanos National Stadium, Santiago, Chile
- Date and time: Friday 6 June, 2am
- How to watch: Not being shown live in the UK
Conclusion
In conclusion, Argentina are strong favourites to win the match against Chile, given their dominant performance in the qualification campaign. Chile, on the other hand, are struggling to find their footing and are at the bottom of the table. With Argentina’s experience and youth, they are likely to come out on top. It will be interesting to see how Chile performs, but ultimately, Argentina’s strength and skill will likely give them the win. Remember to always gamble responsibly and within your means.
