After the high of winning the 2024 Copa America title, Argentina resume their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign on Thursday as they take on Chile at the Estadio Mas Monumental.

La Albiceleste leads the CONMEBOL qualifying standings with 15 points from six matches. Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 in their most recent qualifier, with a goal from Nicolas Otamendi in the 63rd minute.

Meanwhile, Chile is placed currently placed eighth, two places off the direct qualifying spot. They have won just one of their six matches so far.

MORE: CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying group standings, schedule and fixtures

The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.

Argentina vs. Chile live stream, TV channel in UK

Here’s how to watch this CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers match in the UK:

• TV channel: Premier Sports 1
• Live stream: Premier Sports Player

This game is available for live TV broadcast on Premier Sports 1 in the UK. Fans can also stream the game on Premier Sports Player.

If the game is not available to watch live in your location, or if you’re traveling abroad, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs offer a secure and private online connection, allowing you to bypass geographical restrictions to access your favorite streaming services from any device anywhere in the world.

WATCH FROM ANYWHERE: Sign up for NordVPN (30-day moneyback guarantee)

What time does Argentina vs. Chile kick off in UK?

This CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers clash takes place at Estadio Mâs Monumental in Bueno Aires, Argentina, and kicks off on Thursday, September 5 at 9:00 p.m. local time (ART). 

This translates to Friday, September 6 at 1:00 a.m. BST for fans in the UK.

Argentina vs. Chile lineups, predicted starting 11, team news

Argentine legend Lionel Messi is still recovering from an ankle injury he picked up during the Copra America final and will sit this match out.

Defenders Nicolas Tagliafico and Leonardo Balerdi are also sidelined due to injuries, while Angel Di Maria and Franco Armani have retired from international football.

In the absence of Tagliafico, Lionel Scaloni could bring in Valentin Barco, who has two international caps, in the left-back position.

Argentina predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): E. Martinez (GK) — Molina, Romero, Li. Martinez, Barco — De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister — Gonzalez, La. Martinez, Alvarez

Injured: Messi, Tagliafico, Balerdi
Suspended: N/A

For Chile, veteran goalkeeper Claudio Bravo has retired from international play at 41, while both Alexis Sanchez and Diego Valdes are sidelined due to injuries.

Arturo Vidal, Gary Medel, and Francisco Sierralta have all been excluded from Gareca’s squad. The only uncapped player included is goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux, who is competing with Gabriel Arias and Brayan Cortes for the starting spot.

Eduardo Vargas and Ben Brereton Diaz are expected to lead the attack.

Chile predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Arias (GK) — Isla, Lichnovsky, Maripan, Mena — Nunez, Pulgar, Echeverria — Osorio, Vargas, Brereton Diaz

Injured: Sanchez, Valdes
Suspended: N/A

Argentina vs. Chile prediction

The upcoming match promises to be intriguing, with Argentina aiming to assert their dominance. They are the reigning world as well as continental champions.

Meanwhile, Chile will be eager to bounce back from their disappointing start in the qualifiers. Even though Argentina talisman Messi is missing in action, the team has enough quality and firepower to beat Chile.

Prediction: Argentina 2-0 Chile