World Cup 2026: Chile Face Tough Uruguay Roadblock to Kick Off Qualifying Campaign

Uruguay vs Chile

Chile are eager to get back to the World Cup 2026, and their qualifying journey starts in Montevideo this Friday.

Given the new format, seven (compared to five) out of the 10 participating CONMEBOL nations will get to qualify, so the odds are in favour of Chile finally making it. However, there’s still no room for complacency, as there are games to be played, starting against Uruguay.

Uruguay are also expected to qualify for the world’s biggest showcase. And given their undefeated home record against Chile, the SBOTOP betting odds predict that they’ll have a winning start.

Talking Points

Uruguay’s changing of the guard

Marcelo Bielsa loves his high-octane brand of football, so it isn’t surprising that he is going with a much younger squad. Evidence of this is when the former Leeds boss omitted Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani from the roster since their World Cup exit.

This leaves Darwin Nunez with big shoes to fill, although it feels like he is ready to take over. The Liverpool striker has started the 2023-24 season very well, with two league goals and one assist.

Last week, Liverpool defeated Newcastle United 2-1. The Reds were down by 10 men after Virgil van Dijk’s first-half red card, but Darwin Nunez came to the rescue and scored two late goals for the win.

Other than the 24-year-old Nunez, Bielsa has other young pieces to work with. Look for him to utilise the likes of Fede Valverde, Manuel Ugarte, and Facundo Pellistri (all under 25) more as his team slowly takes shape.

Pellistri is mostly on Manchester United’s bench, but he is an exciting young winger. Valverde is a creative playmaker who has an eye on goal, while Ugarte provides a combative presence in midfield.

Unfortunately for La Celeste, they have been bit by the injury bug, with the likes of Ronald Araujo, Rodrigo Bentancur, Matias Vecino, and Giorgian de Arrascaeta all out. But that should mean more chances for the youngsters and fringe players to show what they’ve got.

Chile improving under Berizzo

Eduardo Berizzo had some growing pains when he arrived as Chile’s new head coach last year. He started with losses to South Korea, Tunisia, Ghana, Morocco, and Poland while drawing with Qatar and Slovakia, but his team has picked up form this year.

Most recently, La Roja picked up wins against Paraguay, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic while drawing with Bolivia. Yes, those are exhibition games, but those positive results will boost their confidence nonetheless.

Look for Chile to recall their veterans during the international break, namely Alexis Sanchez, Arturo Vidal, and Gary Medel, who combine for 451 international caps.

Ben Brereton Diaz is another player to watch out for. He has made a slow start with Villarreal in La Liga thus far, but he is a different player when wearing the La Roja uniform.

History

During the qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup, Uruguay managed to finish third in the CONMEBOL standings to claim an outright berth, while Chile missed out on the big dance after finishing seventh.

In the 2022 World Cup, Uruguay failed to make it to the knockout stages due to inferior goal difference following a goalless draw against South Korea, a 2-0 loss to Portugal, and a 2-0 win against Ghana.

These two teams last met in March, when Uruguay came away with a 2-0 victory as Luis Suarez and Fede Valverde put two goals past Chile’s backline. In this game, Luis Suarez moved ahead of Lionel Messi as the top scorer in the CONMEBOL qualifiers with his 29^th goal in 62 matches.

Chile have never beaten Uruguay since their 3-1 win against them in November 2016 (also in the CONMEBOL qualifiers). In their last four meetings, Uruguay had recorded three wins and a 1-1 draw.

Betting Tip

The World Cup 2026 odds back Uruguay to extend their home winning streak against Chile. La Celeste are at 1.68 odds to win, while a La Roja victory is priced at 4.40, and a draw is installed at 3.40 in the 1X2 market.

Despite some key injuries, Uruguay remain well-equipped to beat their visitors. However, it won’t be a walk in the park because Chile have improved under Eduardo Berizzo.

Furthermore, there should be enough World Cup 2026 highlights to go around for this game, but don’t expect these two teams to score more than four goals between them. So, Total Goal at 1.85 and Over 2.00 at 1.70 are other bets worth considering.

 

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.