It’s a South American football classic – Chile vs Argentina. A fixture soaked in history, spiced with drama, and often blessed with bangers. But as they prepare to meet once again on Thursday in the World Cup qualifiers, the context feels painfully different for both sides.
One team’s dreaming of 2026. The other’s already packing for it.
Chile: Once Kings, Now Just… Hanging On
Remember when Chile were the kings of the continent? Back-to-back Copa América titles, World Cup regulars, and a team that made even Brazil sweat. Yeah, those days are gone.
These days, Chile looks more like a faded rock band on a reunion tour, nostalgic, gritty, but not quite chart-topping anymore. That shocking home loss to Bolivia last year still stings, but Ricardo Gareca has tried to pump some life into this side. The result? They’ve dropped just one of their last four qualifiers.
Is that good enough? For a top-four finish? Not quite but this has helped in raising the morale of the team.
Argentina: Already There, Still Playing Like They Need It
Meanwhile, Argentina reigning world champions and current CONMEBOL table-toppers are in cruise control. They demolished Brazil 4-1 in March and booked their tickets to 2026 with authority.
But don’t expect them to treat this match like a friendly. Scaloni might rotate the deck a bit, but with names like Messi, Lautaro, Enzo, and Dibu Martinez still on the team sheet, the danger remains very, very real.
They’re eight points clear at the top and riding a three-game winning streak. You’d think they might relax. But with this team? Even their ‘Plan B’ looks like a headline act.
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This will be meeting No. 97 between the two sides. Argentina has historically had the upper hand, but Chile’s golden generation had its revenge in the 2010s. That spark hasn’t faded. Pride, bragging rights, and a bit of historic tension will make sure of that.
And if that’s not enough it’s being played at the Estadio Nacional in Ñuñoa, a place that knows how to turn up the volume and pressure.
Chile vs Argentina Predicted Lineups
Chile (4-3-3):
Cortes (GK) – Loyola, Maripan, Sierralta, Suazo – Vidal, Echeverria, Pizarro – Osorio, Sanchez, Valdes
Argentina (4-3-1-2):
Emi Martinez (GK) – Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico – De Paul, Enzo, Paredes – Messi – Lautaro, Alvarez
Let’s be honest. Argentina’s “backup” squad would still be favorites in most continents.
Chile vs Argentina Where and When to Watch
Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025
Kickoff: 9:00 p.m. ET | 6:00 p.m. PT
Venue: Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos, Ñuñoa, Chile
Live stream (USA): Fanatiz (No TV broadcast in the US)
What’s Next?
Chile’s upcoming fixtures:
- Argentina – Jun 5
- Bolivia – Jun 10
Argentina’s next battles:
- Chile – Jun 5
- Colombia – Jun 10
