Argentina continued their dominant run in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers with a convincing 3-0 victory over Chile on September 6, 2024. In front of a roaring home crowd at the Estadio Mâs Monumental in Buenos Aires, goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez, and Paulo Dybala secured Argentina’s place at the top of the CONMEBOL standings, further tightening their grip on a spot in the upcoming World Cup.
First Half: Argentina Controls the Tempo, Chile Pushes Back
The first half saw Argentina establish early dominance, controlling possession and pushing forward, but Chile’s defense held firm. A few chances for both sides, including an Argentine freekick and a close header from Lautaro Martinez, kept the game lively. However, Chile came closest to breaking the deadlock just before halftime when Matias Catalan’s header hit the post. Argentina was fortunate to go into the break with the score still 0-0.
Despite missing talisman Lionel Messi, Argentina displayed a well-balanced attack, with Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister driving play from midfield. Chile, sitting in a precarious position in the CONMEBOL standings, was desperate for points, but Argentina’s defense, led by Cristian Romero and Nicolas Otamendi, held firm, limiting Chile’s chances.
Second Half: Mac Allister and Alvarez Light Up the Scoreboard
The second half began with Argentina pressing harder, and their efforts paid off just three minutes in. In the 48th minute, Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring for Argentina. A low cross from Julian Alvarez found Mac Allister in the box, who calmly slotted the ball past Chile’s goalkeeper Gabriel Arias. This breakthrough goal energized the home side and lifted the crowd.
Chile, now behind, struggled to regain control. Argentina’s relentless pressing eventually led to a second goal in the 84th minute. Julian Alvarez, who had been a constant threat, struck from outside the box after a quick recovery by Enzo Fernandez. His powerful left-footed shot sailed in off the crossbar, leaving Arias no chance.
Dybala Seals the Win in Injury Time
As the game neared its conclusion, Argentina continued to push forward. In injury time, the final blow came when Paulo Dybala netted Argentina’s third goal. After a short corner routine, Alejandro Garnacho passed to Dybala, who made a strong run into the box and fired a low shot through a sea of bodies, catching Arias off guard. With that goal, the game was sealed, and Argentina celebrated a commanding 3-0 victory.
A Bright Future Without Messi?
Although Lionel Messi was missing due to an ankle injury, Argentina demonstrated that they could still dominate without their star player. Mac Allister, Alvarez, and Dybala stepped up in his absence, showcasing Argentina’s depth and the potential for a smooth transition to a new generation of talent.
What’s Next for Argentina and Chile?
Argentina’s victory cements their position at the top of the FIFA World Cup 2026 CONMEBOL qualifiers, having won six out of their seven games. Lionel Scaloni’s team will look to continue their unbeaten run when they face Colombia on September 11, 2024.
For Chile, the road to qualification remains difficult. Struggling in eighth place with just one win from seven matches, they’ll need to regroup quickly if they hope to challenge for a spot in the 2026 World Cup. Their next match will be crucial as they try to turn their campaign around.
Key Takeaways
- 1. Argentina’s 3-0 win keeps them at the top of the CONMEBOL standings.
- 2. Mac Allister, Alvarez, and Dybala all found the back of the net, signaling Argentina’s offensive strength without Messi.
- 3. Chile had moments of promise but couldn’t capitalize on their chances, most notably a first-half header that hit the post.
Final Thoughts
This match reinforced Argentina’s dominance in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, showing that the defending World Cup champions remain a force to be reckoned with even without their star players. The team’s depth and talent across the pitch were on full display, and they seem well on their way to securing their spot in the 2026 tournament.
For Chile, the defeat underscores the challenges they face, and without significant improvement, their hopes of qualifying may be in jeopardy.
