At the National Stadium in Santiago, on a decisive night for the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, Argentina secured first place in the competition by defeating Chile 1–0. The only goal was scored by Julián Álvarez in the 16th minute, following a brilliant assist from Thiago Almada. Even with Lionel Messi coming on in the second half, the team led by Lionel Scaloni dominated the match, while Chile, in a critical situation, dropped to the bottom of the table with just 10 points further from a World Cup berth.
⚽ First Half: Argentina Takes Control and Álvarez Scores a Beauty
The match started with intensity, and it was Chile who created the first chance: in the 3rd minute, Alexis Sánchez took a shot, but goalkeeper Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martínez made a fine save. Quickly, the Albiceleste took control of possession (67%) and began dictating the pace.
Key Moment – Brilliant Goal (16′)
In the 16th minute, Almada played a deep through ball, Álvarez controlled it calmly and chipped over goalkeeper Brayan Cortés to open the scoring (1–0).
- Start of the play: Quick transition, Almada delivers a surgical pass.
- Finish: Álvarez calmly lifts the ball over the keeper.
In the 34th minute, Argentina almost doubled their lead: Giuliano Simeone fired a powerful shot that skimmed over the crossbar.
Chile tried to respond with long-range shots (Cepeda in the 59th and 63rd minutes), but poor accuracy and Martínez’s solid performance stood in their way. Arturo Vidal’s early yellow card highlighted Chile’s nervousness.
First Half Summary: Argentina dictated the pace and capitalized on their only major chance; Chile showed defensive disorganization and lacked offensive creativity.
🧩 Second Half: Messi Comes In, Chile Pressures, but Argentina Holds Firm
The second half saw Argentina remain solid, even after Cristian Romero picked up a yellow card in the 74th minute.
Messi’s Entrance (57′)
Scaloni brought on Messi, who began distributing plays. In the 82nd minute, he set up Simeone, whose shot went over the bar.
Chile tried again with Cepeda (73′), but his shot went wide. Other chances from Altamirano (62′) and dangerous crosses failed to break Argentina’s defense.
In the 84th minute, 17-year-old Franco Mastantuono made his debut becoming the youngest player ever to wear the Argentina shirt in Qualifiers. Despite substitutions and tactical changes, Chile couldn’t overcome Argentina’s defensive organization and dangerous counterattacks.
Second Half Analysis: Chile improved slightly, but lacked depth. Argentina focused on defense to preserve the lead.
📋 Qualifiers Standings Impact
Argentina reached 34 points, firmly in the lead, 10 points ahead of Ecuador and Paraguay.
Chile remains stuck on 10 points, at the bottom, mathematically out of direct qualification and currently outside even the playoff spot.
Three matches remain: Argentina faces Colombia at home, while Chile visits Bolivia in El Alto (4,150m altitude). This challenging altitude may seal Chile’s fate.
🛡️ Argentina in Control, Chile Struggles with Lack of Creativity
🌟 Man of the Match: Julián Álvarez
- Nationality: Argentine
- Age: 23
- Club: Atlético Madrid
- Game Highlight: Scored the winner and led offensive actions.
Contributions: Decisive goal, constant presence in attack, and strong chemistry with Almada.
Álvarez is consolidating himself as a key figure in Argentina’s attack, with the potential to shine in upcoming Qualifiers and the World Cup.
Image by: flashcore.pt
🗓️ Upcoming Fixtures
- Argentina vs Colombia – in Buenos Aires, next Tuesday.
Goal: maintain top spot and build psychological edge for 2026. - Chile vs Bolivia – a crucial match in El Alto. With reduced chances, Chile must fight to stay in playoff contention.
Argentina’s 1–0 victory over Chile reaffirms their absolute dominance in the Qualifiers even with Messi starting on the bench. Chile’s last-place position puts heavy pressure on coach Gareca and signals the need for an urgent rebuild. Julián Álvarez shines as the new focal point of Argentina’s attack, while Franco Mastantuono makes a historic debut. The Albiceleste sets its sights on direct qualification and continental supremacy. Meanwhile, Chile teeters on the edge, needing a miracle to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
