Overview
After winning the 2024 Copa America, the Argentina team will continue their journey in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America.
In the last 6 matches in the qualifying round, Albiceleste won 5 matches and lost only 1 time to Uruguay. In all competitions, coach Lionel Scaloni's team also has an impressive record with a series of 11 consecutive victories.
However, Argentina will be without captain Lionel Messi for the FIFA Days in September. The former Barcelona striker is still recovering from an injury sustained in the 2024 Copa America final.
However, the reigning World Cup champions still have many other quality stars such as Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, Enzo Fernandez and Mac Allister.
Meanwhile, Chile has not been in good form recently. At Copa America 2024, they did not win a single match in the group stage and were eliminated early. Coach Ricardo Gareca's team also only had 5 points after the first 6 matches in the World Cup qualifiers and ranked 8th/10.
If they want to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, Chile need to improve their performance in the remaining qualifying matches.
In the last 13 matches against Chile, Argentina is unbeaten with 8 wins and 5 draws. In the most recent match at Copa America 2024, Albiceleste beat their opponent 1-0 thanks to a goal by Lautaro Martinez.
Human resources situation
In addition to Messi, Argentina will also be without Nicolas Tagliafico and Leonardo Balerdi due to injury. Meanwhile, Angel Di Maria, Franco Armani and Nicolas Otamendi have retired from the national team.
On the other side of the front line, veteran goalkeeper Claudio Bravo has also just retired from international football. Alexis Sanchez and Diego Valdes are absent due to injury. Some veterans including Arturo Vidal, Gary Medel and Francisco Sierralta were not called up.
Expected lineup:
Argentina : E. Martinez, Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Barco, De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Gonzalez, Lautaro Martinez, Alvarez.
Chile : Arias, Isla, Lichnovsky, Maripan, Mena, Nunez, Pulgar, Echeverria, Osorio, Vargas, Brereton Diaz.
The match between Argentina and Chile takes place at 7:00 a.m. on September 6 (Vietnam time).
