Brazil started the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in uncertain form, which led to a series of coaching changes before Carlo Ancelotti took the helm. Despite the turmoil, the team rallied to secure its spot in the tournament. In a bold move, it opted to bench several of its traditional stars, creating opportunities for emerging talents. Regardless, it still fields a formidable starting eleven, positioning itself as favorites in today’s match.

In stark contrast, Chile have faced a string of setbacks over nearly three years in the World Cup Qualifiers, culminating in their official elimination from the tournament contention a couple of months ago. A succession of head coaches, including Eduardo Berizzo, Nicolas Cordova, and Ricardo Gareca, failed to reverse their fortunes. Currently, Nicolas is again tasked with leading a substantial team overhaul, aiming to build a stronger squad for the future.

Why is Alexis Sanchez not playing for Chile vs Brazil in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers today?

Alexis Sanchez continues to be a renowned figure in world soccer. Despite this, the veteran player participated in only 14 games in the 2024-25 season with Udinese, without scoring a goal or an assist. In addition, he was absent from several games due to physical problems. With this in mind, head coach Nicolas Cordova decided to leave him out of the 28-man roster for the double-header against Brazil and Uruguay.

The Asociación Nacional de Futbol Profesional (ANFP), in collaboration with head coach Cordova, is executing a clear strategy to rejuvenate the team by integrating players poised to lead in the future. During this transition, Ben Brereton Diaz, Lucas Assadi, and Lucas Cepeda are expected to make a significant impact on the offensive side.

Why is Arturo Vidal not playing for Chile vs Brazil in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers today?

In contrast to Alexis, Arturo Vidal still showcases remarkable consistency in recent games. During the current season, the veteran midfielder has been a pivotal figure for Colo-Colo, securing a spot as a regular starter and amassing 21 appearances thus far. Despite his performances, head coach Cordova did not include him in the 28-man roster for the crucial double-header against Brazil and Uruguay.

Vidal, still performing at a high level, finds himself excluded as the national team undergoes a significant roster overhaul. At 38, his long-term viability for the squad is in question, paving the way for younger talents, like Felipe Loyola, to assume more prominent roles within the team.

Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal, never one to shy away from controversy, posted a subtle yet pointed reminder of the past. In the wake of Portugal’s title win, Vidal took to Instagram to resurface a moment when things didn’t go quite so well for Ronaldo’s squad.

In his Instagram Story, Vidal reposted a photo from the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup that showed him celebrating after Chile’s dramatic penalty shootout win over Portugal. The image featured Cristiano Ronaldo in the background and was accompanied by the caption: “Few could beat them on penalties…” The reference was crystal clear—and unmistakably cheeky.

Though it’s unlikely Ronaldo ever sees the post, this is hardly the first time Vidal has used social media to drop fiery, thinly veiled messages. Still, the timing was deliberate. While Portugal celebrated a new title, Vidal reminded fans of a Chilean victory that’s mostly faded from the spotlight.

Chile vs Portugal clash at the 2017 Confederations Cup

The semifinal soccer clash between Chile and Portugal in the 2017 Confederations Cup remains one of the most intense matches of that tournament. Held in Kazan, Russia, the game ended 0–0 after extra time and was decided by penalties. The stakes were high, and the quality of play reflected it, with both teams featuring elite talent on both ends of the pitch.

Chile nearly sealed it late in extra time when Arturo Vidal struck the post and Martín Rodríguez followed up with a shot that rattled the crossbar. Portugal, despite fielding Ronaldo up front, failed to create consistent scoring threats. Their midfield was stifled, and Ronaldo found himself stranded for much of the match.

When it came to penalties, Chile delivered a masterclass. Goalkeeper Claudio Bravo saved all three of Portugal’s attempts—from Quaresma, Moutinho, and Nani—while Vidal, Aránguiz, and Alexis Sánchez converted with clinical precision. The 3–0 shootout result sent Chile to the final and capped one of their golden generation’s signature performances.

That win was historic not just for the result, but for what it represented. It was Chile’s third straight major final following their Copa América titles in 2015 and 2016. And while Portugal have since moved on to new glories—including this 2025 Nations League crown—Vidal’s post served as a reminder that the past still matters, especially when it’s personal.

Arturo Vidal spent the week hyping up the match, stating he would score his nicest goal for Colo Colo on Tuesday evening, and making a point to taunt River fans by taking a picture with a Boca Juniors kit before the second leg of their quarterfinal series.

Vidal received a harsh welcome at River Plate’s Estadio Más Monumental, being jeered during warm-ups, where the former Inter Milan midfielder made gestures to the crowd. Then his night got progressively worse.

Arturo Vidal’s post-game comments after the River Plate match

During the match, despite Colo Colo having over 60% of the possession, it was Arturo Vidal himself who defended a play poorly and kept River Plate’s striker Facundo Colidio onside for the game’s only goal.

Later, while trying to pressure River Plate’s goalkeeper Franco Armani, Vidal was planted on the ground as the World Cup winner dribbled past the at-times animated Vidal.

Despite a few encounters with other players and being at fault for his team’s loss, Vidal left the stadium making gestures to the crowd and then stating a conspiracy theory that Conmebol is favoring River Plate.

“They said we were going to fall behind. Did you see how we pushed them back? The goalkeeper, who is a world champion, started wasting time from the very first minute. We made them look bad. At times, we were much better than them. We leave with our heads held high.

“They set up this final here for them. The coach had never made changes for a derby, but he did the other day because he was afraid of us. We showed better football than they did.”

River Plate will now play the semifinal of the Copa Libertadores against a Brazilian side to be determined.

Despite the absence of Lionel Messi, who was injured, and Angel Di Maria, who retired from the national team, goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez, and Paulo Dybala ensured that the three-time World Cup winners are in first place, while Chile remains in a rut, sitting in ninth place, just above last-place Peru.

Colo Colo midfielder and former Chile star Arturo Vidal watched the game and did not hold back in his criticism of head coach Ricardo Gareca on his Kick channel, accusing the coach of not even following Chilean soccer.

Arturo Vidal Bashes Ricardo Gareca

Arturo Vidal said during his stream, “That guy (Gareca) doesn’t watch the Libertadores! It seems like he only watches Argentine football matches.” Vidal also belittled Gareca’s coaching abilities, stating, “He needs to stop making things up; football is very simple.”

Jokingly commenting on the match, Vidal said, “The only thing missing is that he makes six substitutions,” once the defeat of Chile was evident.

The implications of the loss for Chile are still uncertain. In a competition where up to seven teams can qualify for the next World Cup, a win against Bolivia at home could potentially move Chile up to fifth place. However, Chile has won only one qualifying match this campaign and lost four.

The former FC Barcelona player, who was also excluded from the 2024 Copa América squad, had suffered a muscle injury in his left calf that had kept him out of action in recent weeks. However, the midfielder is now fully recovered. Just like in the previous tournament, Vidal is not participating in the World Cup qualifiers due to a tactical decision by coach Ricardo Gareca.

The Colo-Colo midfielder is not the only significant absence from the squad. Claudio Bravo (retired), Gary Medel (snubbed), and Alexis Sánchez (injured) are also among the other historic players missing from the list. The reason is that Gareca is implementing a renewal in Chile, even if it means overlooking key figures from the 2015 and 2016 Copa América-winning squads, like Vidal.

“For now, I don’t see a natural leader in the team,” said coach Gareca at the latest press conference. Former Bayern Munich and Juventus player Vidal, who is 37 years old, has scored 34 goals in 142 appearances with the Chilean national squad, but his experience is not being considered.

Gareca’s team is sitting in 8th place in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, currently outside the tournament’s qualification spots. Vidal, who has played continuously for Chile since 2007, is now far from returning to wear the red jersey.

When was Arturo Vidal’s last match with the Chile national team?

Arturo Vidal’s last match with the Chile national team was on September 12, 2023, in a 0-0 draw against Colombia during the second matchday of the CONMEBOL World Cup 2026 qualifiers. The midfielder played with a knee injury, which later required surgery.

“I’m not called up, but there are very difficult matches ahead, and we can’t miss out on a World Cup again,” Vidal said in response to his absence from the squad.

Vidal’s crowning achievement came in 2015 when he helped Chile win their first major international trophy, the Copa America, on home soil. His tenacious style, leadership qualities, and knack for scoring crucial goals earned him widespread acclaim and admiration among Chilean fans.

Vidal’s two Copa America titles and two World Cup appearances are part of his illustrious career, amassing 34 goals in 142 caps. However, new manager Ricardo Gareca opted not to include him in the 2024 Copa America squad.

Vidal no longer in Chile’s plans

The reason behind Vidal’s omission from Ricardo Gareca’s plans is attributed to a generational shift. While Vidal was initially part of the pre-roster, Gareca ultimately chose a different direction for the team.

Reflecting on his exclusion, Vidal remarked, “It’s not a footballing matter, it’s a decision by the coach. He has every right to choose his players and those he believes will perform well in the Copa America. I would have loved to be there.”

Vidal was recently with Athletico Paranaense in Brazil but his time at the club was hampered by a knee injury that reduced the former Barcelona midfielder to just 9 games.

Now with Colo Colo, Vidal signed a one-year deal and will be one of the faces for a side that is coached by Jorge Almirón of Boca Juniors fame and has Uruguayan defender Alan Saldivia, and national teamers Fernando de Paul and Vicente Pizarro in the squad.

Arturo Vidal gets king’s welcome at Colo Colo

Arturo Vidal arrived at the Estadio Monumental David Arellano via helicopter. Once he stepped out in the middle of the field, knights on horseback came out to greet their new “king”. Later Vidal would get on a horse and ride it to the delight of the supporters.

Vidal would place a crown on his head and later greet all the fans on a black horse. Vidal without question is the biggest name player playing in the Chilean first division.

About Colo Colo

Colo Colo is Chile’s biggest club, Los Albos has won 33 Primera División de Chile titles, more than any other Chilean club and a record thirteen Copa Chile titles.

It was the first Chilean team to win a continental tournament, winning the 1991 Copa Libertadores. The following year, the club went on to win a further two international titles: the 1992 Recopa Sudamericana and the 1992 Copa Interamericana.

Arturo Vidal’s contract expires in December 2023, making him a free agent 5 months before his 37th birthday. While his time in Brazil can be considered a success, winning the Brazilian cup and Copa Libertadores with Flamengo, Vidal may have one more opportunity to play for one of the world’s biggest clubs.

In a recent social media upload, Vidal put up pictures of him dressed in the colors of Boca Juniors, a club which Vidal has claimed he was “born to play for.”

The link between Arturo Vidal and Boca Juniors

While being interviewed over his presidential campaign to be Boca Juniors top executive, Juan Roman Riquelme, Boca’s current vice-president, stated that he has been in contact with the Chilean for some time now.

On Twitch, Vidal doubled down on his chances of joining Boca Juniors, “I saw what Roman said. Do I believe that I was born to play for Boca? I think so. It’s a team similar to what I am… If I sign with Boca I would have to dye my hair blue. It would be a dream to sign there.”

Current situation of Boca Juniors

After a poor campaign in the league cup tournament, which saw the club lose their head coach and in the middle of club elections, Boca Juniors also were able to play the final of the Copa Libertadores, although they were defeated by Fluminense.

Entering 2024 the club, who will not play the Copa Libertadores, will look to rebuild their team with a yet to be named manager, a new leader at the board level, and possible new signings which could include Vidal.

Pedro had tied the game for the Brazilian side, and then, just before halftime, Gerson handed up a penalty that led to his team’s defeat.With the victory, Al-Hilal became the first Saudi team to go to the Final of the FIFA Club World Cup.

In addition to eliminating theRubro-Negroin the Semi-Finals, they won on penalties against Wydad Casablanca in the Quarter-Finals.Arturo Vidal, a former player for Barcelona, must feel the pain of this defeat a bit more keenly than his current Flamengo teammates.

What did Arturo Vidal say about Real Madrid prior to the FIFA Club World Cup?

Arturo Vidal has long been an outspoken critic of Real Madrid, and he has stoked tensions before and after several of his games against Los Blancos by making controversial statements. After being sent off for Bayernin the UEFA Champions League Semi-Finals against Real Madrid, the Chilean midfielder has held a great animosity toward the Spanish side, a hatred that followed him to Barcelona.

During his two years at the Camp Nou, he won La Liga and the Supercopa de Espana. He subsequently moved on to Serie A club Inter and finally Flamengo. The Chilean veteran has had mixed results versus the reigning LaLiga winners, winning four games, drawing four more, and losing eight overall.

Due to their loss to Al-Hilal, Vidal’s Flamengo will not be meeting Real Madrid in the grand Final this coming weekend. As early as October, amid the Libertadores festivities, the 35-year-old veteran said, “Madrid, we’re going to kick your ass” and “Your [Madrid’s] turn will come.”

Winner of 17 titles in his European career plus 2 Copa Americas with his national team, Arturo Vidal is one of the most decorated players from Chile ever. Now according to Calciomercato, with Inter Milan moving on from his contract in the summer, the Italian outlet is reporting that Flamengo is interested in the midfielder.

At the moment Flamengo is playing their local Rio de Janeiro state tournament and will start the Brazilian league in April and Vidal may come in sometime in July.

Arturo Vidal to Flamengo?

Flamengo already have Chilean Mauricio Isla, Giorgian de Arrascaeta, Éverton Ribeiro, and Gabriel Barbosa on their roster and are hoping to make a big push to win the league and the Copa Libertadores.

Vidal has played a total of 21 games in Serie A this season with 1 goal and 1 assist. Vidal came on as a substitute in Inter Milan’s 1-1 draw with Torino over the weekend.

La Roja got off to a weak start to the tournament under Reinaldo Rueda but Martin Lasarte has slowly begun to get them back in contention. However, their last defeat has put them in a tough spot again.

That’s why they arrive at this international window desperate to get results against Argentina and Bolivia. But Chile will have to deal with a huge absence as Arturo Vidal is not in their roster. Here, find out why.

The reason why Arturo Vidal is not playing for Chile vs. Argentina and Bolivia

Arturo Vidal is unavailable for Chile’s games against Argentina and Bolivia because he has to serve a two-match ban. The Inter Milan midfielder saw the red card in La Roja’s defeat to Ecuador in November for an ugly challenge on Felix Torres early in the first half.

Vidal was initially handed a three-game suspension but it was reduced by one match following an appeal from the ANFP (the Chilean FA),enabling Vidal to be back in action in March when Chile take on Brazil.

The upcoming matches, however, are crucial for La Roja’s World Cup aspirations, so he’ll probably regret that action. WillChile get the results they need to continue alive in the battle for a Qatar 2022 berth?