More of a leader than ever! In their first game after winning the Copa America, Argentina confirmed their favoritism, crushing Chile 2-0 and remaining at the top of the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
Without Messi and Di María, the team coached by Lionel Scaloni was efficient and won without much difficulty. In a packed Monumental de Núñez, Alexis Mac Allister, Julián Álvarez, two names that represent the success of the new generation of Argentine football, and Paulo Dybala scored the goals that secured the victory for the albiceleste team.
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As in every South American classic, the match had few chances created, a lot of physical play, and numerous fouls. Despite all this, Argentina played better, dominated the game, created the best opportunities, and won the duel without major difficulties, even with Chile hitting the post of Dibu Martínez while the score was still 0-0.
With three more points secured, Argentina achieved their sixth victory in seven games played and leads the Qualifiers with 18 points. On the other hand, Chile remains in a complicated situation and is in 9th position, with only one victory and 5 points earned after seven games, and is not in the qualification zone for the World Cup.
Di María honored
One of the great names in the history of Argentine football, Ángel Di María was honored by the AFA and the entire crowd before the match kicked off at the Monumental. Highlights of his career were showcased, with narration by his eldest daughter, Mia. As expected, the player was very emotional with the celebration of his career.
Di María bid farewell to the Argentine national team after winning the Copa America in July of this year.
Upcoming games
The leading Argentina will enter the field again next Tuesday (10) afternoon, at 5:30 PM. Away from home, the Albiceleste faces Colombia in the eighth round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, in a match that marks a repeat of the final of the last Copa America edition.
Trying to improve and enter the qualification zone for the next World Cup, Chile will also play on Tuesday. At home, the Chileans will host Bolivia, a team that occupies the 7th position, which guarantees a spot in the playoffs.