Home Side Is Safe Soccer Pick in Uruguay-Chile Match
Visitors Missed Last Two World Cups
I know Argentina is the current World Champion, but I truly believe that Uruguay has a better roster… except for Lionel Messi, of course. So it’s not surprising that the team comes in as the betting online favorite at -145 to defeat Chile in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers opener. Let’s talk about the other reasons and make some soccer betting predictions!
Undefeated at Home
First, Uruguay and Chile have met 85 times, with Uruguay leading the series thanks to a 48-19-18 record. That alone should be enough for you to include Marcelo Bielsa’s team in your soccer picks. Speaking of Bielsa, he’s one of the best coaches on planet Earth and another reason for Uruguay to be the favorite.
Regarding the WCQ, Uruguay has never lost to Chile at home, and they’ve been meeting since 1969. Most recently, Uruguay defeated Chile 2-1 on the road to Qatar 2022. Uruguay scored at least two goals in three of their last five meetings in Montevideo. Chile scored one goal in three of those matches as well. Here’s our first prediction: Both teams will score, a prop bet that’s offering a +110 price in the sportsbook.
Overall, Uruguay only lost one of its last 10 matches at home, scoring in seven games and finishing with a clean sheet six times. Summing up, Estadio Centenario is a fortress.
New Generation
Forget about Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani. Uruguay’s roster is now led by Federico Valverde, who plays for Real Madrid. There’s also Mathias Olivera, who plays for Napoli. And let’s not forget Darwin Nunez, who plays for Liverpool.
We’re talking about three players under 25 years old who are already consolidated in the best European teams. That’s why Suarez and Cavani won’t be missed. That’s also why you should bet on Uruguay’s team total going over 1½ goals, which is offering a -110 price in our soccer odds.
Chile Needs to Rebuild
Unlike Uruguay, Chile still depends on two veterans: Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal. Don’t get me wrong, both are extremely talented, but Sanchez will be 37 years old in 2026, while Vidal will be 39. Plus, no young player is consolidated in Europe.
Chile needs to start a rebuilding process immediately. If they don’t, they’ll miss the WC for a third straight time. At their current form, their chances of defeating powerhouses like Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay have decreased considerably. The team is offering a +440 price in the soccer lines to beat Uruguay, but I don’t think Chile can pull it off.
Uruguay vs Chile Odds
Uruguay vs Chile Betting Predictions
After a disappointing WC in 2022, Uruguay sacked head coach Diego Alonso and hired Bielsa. Since Bielsa took over, the team is 3-1-0. Two of those matches were at home, and they won 4-1 and 2-0. The team’s depth is unbelievable, and the fans are extremely passionate. The only two teams capable of winning in Montevideo are Argentina and Brazil, and it’s not even certain that they will.
Go with Uruguay and the total to go over 2½ goals since both will score.
