Argentina Cruise Past Chile With 3-0 Victory To Bolster World Cup Qualification Bid.
Argentina strengthened their campaign for the 2026 World Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Chile on Thursday. Second-half goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Julián Álvarez, and Paulo Dybala secured all three points in front of a sold-out crowd at the Monumental Stadium.
The win puts Argentina firmly at the top of the South American qualifying standings with 18 points, five clear of second-placed Uruguay, who face Paraguay on Friday.
Despite missing captain Lionel Messi, sidelined with an ankle injury sustained during July’s Copa América final, the Copa América champions delivered an impressive performance. Messi’s absence was felt, but Argentina’s strength in depth shone through as they extended their unbeaten run in the qualifiers.
Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring just three minutes into the second half, converting a cross from Julián Álvarez. Shortly after, Álvarez, now at Atlético Madrid, doubled Argentina’s lead with a stunning long-range strike.
Paulo Dybala, who came on as a substitute, capped off the evening with a third goal in stoppage time, thanks to an assist from Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho.
The night also included a heartfelt tribute to Ángel Di María, as the veteran winger was honoured following his recent retirement from international football.
Argentina will now shift their focus to their next qualifier against Colombia on Tuesday, as they continue their quest to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
