Argentina Breezes Past Chile to Extend World Cup Qualifiers Lead

The qualification for the 2026 World Cup has already started in multiple continents, and South America is no different. However, the reigning World and Copa America champions have already taken a commanding lead at the top of the CONMEBOL qualifying standings.

Argentina continued their strong run at the top of the CONMEBOL qualifying table by comfortably dispatching Chile yesterday. Heading into the match, the two teams couldn't have been in more different places. La Albiceleste had lost just once in their previous six qualifiers, while Chile found themselves languishing at the bottom with just one win in six games. This disparity in form was clear from the get-go, as Argentina dominated possession and kept Chile under constant pressure throughout the first half, though they couldn’t quite find the breakthrough. 

Despite Argentina’s overwhelming control, the opening 45 minutes ended goalless as Chile’s defense held firm. But the breakthrough finally came early in the second half when Alexis Mac Allister found the back of the net in the 48th minute, which opened the floodgates for Argentina. From that point on, it was one-way traffic. Julian Alvarez doubled the lead in the 84th minute with a stunning strike from the edge of the box, effectively ending any hopes of a Chilean comeback. Paulo Dybala put the icing on the cake in stoppage time, with his deflected effort wrong-footing the Chilean goalkeeper to seal a 3-0 win.  

This victory extends Argentina's lead at the top of the table to five points ahead of Uruguay, with Uruguay still holding a game in hand. Next up, La Albiceleste face Colombia in what promises to be a thrilling encounter—especially since the two sides recently clashed in the Copa America final just two months ago. Meanwhile, Chile will host Bolivia in Santiago, hoping to secure a much-needed win to spark their faltering qualifying campaign back to life. 

Beyond the victory, the match held special significance for Argentina’s players and fans alike, as it marked a heartfelt tribute to Angel Di Maria for his years of dedicated service to the national team. Di Maria, who was instrumental in Argentina's 2008 Olympic gold medal run, has always been a player who shines on the biggest stages. He scored the winning goal in the 2021 Copa America final against Brazil, breaking Argentina's trophy drought, and found the net again in the 2022 World Cup final. At 36, Di Maria has cemented his place as one of Argentina’s all-time greats, and the recognition was a fitting nod to a player who has consistently risen to the occasion on the biggest stages.  

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