Argentina secured a 3-0 victory over Chile in the South American 2026 World Cup qualifiers despite missing key players Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María. The goals came from Alexis Mac Allister, Julián Álvarez, and Paulo Dybala. The team, now with 18 points from seven matches, remains at the top of the standings where the top six teams will directly qualify for the World Cup hosted by the United States, México, and Canada in 2026, while the seventh-placed team will enter a playoff with another confederation. Messi, who missed the game due to an ankle injury, and Di María, who retired from the national team, both played crucial roles in Argentina’s recent Copa America win.
Before the match at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Di María was honored by fans and teammates for his 16-year career with the national team. Bolivia also saw success in their match against Venezuela, securing a 4-0 victory at their new host city with goals from Ramiro Vaca, Carmelo Algarañaz, Miguel Terceros, and Enzo Monteiro. Bolivia, now playing in El Alto at an altitude of 4,150 meters, took advantage of the high altitude conditions, having previously played in La Paz at 3,640 meters. The Bolivians have recorded two wins in four matches at home, showing promise in the qualifiers.
