Cristian Romero produced a strong display for Argentina against Chile in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier
Tottenham Hotspur star Cristian Romero played a key role in Argentina’s comfortable 3-0 win over Chile in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Friday morning.
Goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez and Paulo Dybala helped Lionel Scaloni’s side start the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with a bang, with Cristian Romero starring at the heart of their backline. The Tottenham man started in a three-man defence alongside Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez and Benfica’s Nicolas Otamendi, completing the full 90 minutes against Chile.
Starting in the heart of central defence in a back three, the 26-year-old did not harm his stock with another tidy display and a clean sheet. He was at his sublime best across the 90 minutes as Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina once again demonstrated why they are one of the most difficult teams to beat in the world.
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Romero dominated the Chile forwards and barely allowed them any spaces to manoeuvre, reminding his impressive talents off the ball. The Spurs defender barely put a foot wrong as Chile failed to threaten the World champions. Working as a trio alongside Otamendi and Martinez, with Nahual Molina and Nico Gonzalez operating as wing-backs, Argentina kept Ricardo Gareca’s side at bay.
The 26-year-old won four out of the seven ground duels contested, made two tackles, two interceptions and three clearances. He contested one aerial duel and won it, while successfully managing one dribble. Romero completed 59/66 passes, boasting of a pass accuracy of 89% and had 82 touches off the ball—a stat which justifies how involved he was and Argentina’s control in the game. (Stats courtesy: SofaScore)
Argentinean channel TyC Sports waxed lyrical about Romero’s performance, hailing he is right up there with the best central defenders in world football.
“He’s a beast. He doesn’t miss a single one. There’s no better centre-back in the world than Cuti these days,” TyC Sports praised the Tottenham stopper’s display as he earned a 7/10 from them.
Spurs fanbase will be hoping for an injury and suspension-free season for Romero, who is an indispensable element of Ange Postecoglou’s defence. The £165-k-a-week star is crucial for Postecoglou and lacks any competition capable of replicating his front-footed defending and aggressive man-marking.
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Another assured display in national team colours further underlined why Romero is counted among the best players in his position in world football.
