Argentina vs Chile 2026 Qualifier: Argentina Go 34 Points Clear, Chile in Crisis After 1-0 Loss
Argentina continued their impressive run of form with a narrow but crucial 1-0 victory over Chile in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Julián Álvarez netted the only goal in the 16th minute, securing another three points for La Albiceleste, who now sit firmly atop the CONMEBOL standings with 34 points from 15 games.
Lionel Messi, who started on the bench, was subbed on in the second half to replace youngster Nico Paz. The match also saw history made, as 17-year-old Franco Mastantuono of River Plate replaced Giuliano Simeone to become Argentina’s youngest-ever senior international—breaking the previous record held by Sergio Agüero.
On the other side, Chile’s qualification hopes are hanging by a thread. With just 10 points from 15 matches, they sit at the bottom of the table. With only three games remaining, their margin for error is virtually gone. Chile will travel to face Bolivia on June 10—a must-win clash, though even victory may not be enough to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Argentina, meanwhile, will host Colombia on the same day, aiming to tighten their grip on the top spot and edge closer to sealing qualification in style.
CONMEBOL World Cup 2026 Qualifying Table (After Matchday 15)
| # | Team | PTS | P | GF:GA | GD | W | D | L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🇦🇷 Argentina | 34 | 15 | 27:8 | +19 | 11 | 1 | 3 |
| 2 | 🇪🇨 Ecuador | 24 | 15 | 13:5 | +8 | 7 | 6 | 2 |
| 3 | 🇵🇾 Paraguay | 24 | 15 | 13:9 | +4 | 6 | 6 | 3 |
| 4 | 🇧🇷 Brazil | 22 | 15 | 20:16 | +4 | 6 | 4 | 5 |
| 5 | 🇺🇾 Uruguay | 21 | 15 | 17:12 | +5 | 5 | 6 | 4 |
| 6 | 🇨🇴 Colombia | 20 | 14 | 18:14 | +4 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| 7 | 🇻🇪 Venezuela | 15 | 14 | 13:17 | -4 | 3 | 6 | 5 |
| 8 | 🇧🇴 Bolivia | 14 | 14 | 14:30 | -16 | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| 9 | 🇵🇪 Peru | 10 | 14 | 6:17 | -11 | 2 | 4 | 8 |
| 10 | 🇨🇱 Chile | 10 | 15 | 9:22 | -13 | 2 | 4 | 9 |
- 🟠 Top 6 qualify directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- 🟣 7th place enters the Intercontinental Playoff
- 🔴 Chile is currently last and in danger of elimination
