Although the Chilean national team’s present looks far from promising due to their poor standing in World Cup qualifiers, its past tells a different story. The national team dominated CONMEBOL in 2015 and 2016 by winning back-to-back Copa America titles. However, their recent loss to Bolivia ended their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As a result, many fans now wonder when Chile last played on soccer’s biggest stage.
Chile’s last appearance at a FIFA World Cup came in 2014, when the tournament was held in Brazil. That year, they advanced to the Round of 16 for the second straight edition, reinforcing their status as a competitive force on the global stage. Since then, however, Chile have failed to qualify for three consecutive editions of the tournament, marking the longest absence in the country’s modern soccer history.
Ricardo Gareca ranks among the best coaches in CONMEBOL. However, he failed to build a project that matched other national teams. Chile rank at the bottom of the World Cup qualifiers with just four wins in 16 games. Besides, the roster faced strong criticism due to the lack of world-class players. Unlike past years, they no longer have stars competing at the highest level of global soccer.
The Chilean Soccer Federation has reportedly parted ways with Ricardo Gareca, frustrated by the lack of progress under his watch. His hiring came with plenty of optimism, especially after the impressive job he did with Peru, turning them into a serious contender in CONMEBOL.
Fabián Hormazabal (C) of Chile reacts with teammates after losing the FIFA World Cup 2026 South American Qualifier match between Bolivia and Chile at Estadio Municipal de El Alto on June 10, 2025 in El Alto, Bolivia.
Nevertheless, things never quite clicked in Chile. Now, the federation faces a tough rebuild, one that depends on trusting young talent and giving them time to grow. The real challenge will be finding a coach willing to take on that pressure and stick with the long game.
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What’s next for the Chilean national team in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers?
Eliminated from contention for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Chile still have two qualifying matches left to play. On September 9, they will face Brazil in a high-stakes matchup for the hosts, who are still fighting to secure their spot in the tournament. Chile will then close out their campaign against Uruguay on September 14.
These games offer a chance to begin rebuilding the national team. Chile could update the call-up list and test younger talent. This would help start forming a new squad with long-term goals. As a result, veterans like Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal could step aside. The coaching staff might prefer to focus on players with more potential to lead the future.
