Argentina edges Chile 1-0 to seal top spot in World Cup qualifiers

Argentina further cemented their status as South America’s dominant football force with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Chile in the latest round of CONMEBOL 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, held on June 5, 2025. The win, secured by a solitary strike from Julian Alvarez, ensures Argentina remain atop the qualifying standings, now eight points clear of second-placed Ecuador with just four matches remaining.

The match, played at Chile’s home ground, saw Argentina assert their tactical discipline and defensive solidity, despite having already guaranteed their place at the 2026 World Cup during the March international break. Chile, by contrast, continued to struggle—rooted at the bottom of the table with only ten points from 14 games, their hopes of automatic qualification all but extinguished.

Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni fielded a strong lineup, with Emiliano Martínez in goal, Nahuel Molina at right-back, and the experienced pairing of Cristian Romero and Nicolás Otamendi at center-back.


Alvarez’s decisive goal at 16 minutes came after sustained pressure from Argentina, highlighting their attacking depth even without some key players. The result marks another setback for Chile, who have now lost over half of their qualifying matches and face a daunting task to even secure a playoff spot. The Chilean side, managed by Ricardo Gareca, has managed just two wins in the campaign and has struggled for goals, netting only nine times in 14 games.

Argentina’s captain, Lionel Messi, returned to the squad after missing previous qualifiers due to injury, providing leadership and creativity in midfield. Though he did not start in the first half of the match, he was brought on as a substitute in the 57th minute of the match, replacing Nico Paz. The win not only extends Argentina’s lead at the top but also sends a clear message to their continental rivals ahead of the final rounds.

With their World Cup ticket already punched, Argentina now focus on maintaining their momentum, while Chile must stage a dramatic turnaround to keep their faint hopes alive.