Chile’s march to the 2026 World Cup begins in the South American qualifiers
Chile’s national team opens its path toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America with the South American qualifying rounds. The early chapter sees the side facing Uruguay, led by Marcelo Bielsa, in Montevideo, before a home fixture against Colombia in Santiago. This campaign marks a renewed bid to reach the global stage after missing out on the two previous editions, as the squad navigates a demanding road through CONMEBOL’s qualifiers.
South American qualifiers for the 2026 North American World Cup: dates, fixtures, results and format
Under the direction of coach Eduardo Berizzo, Chile aims to reestablish its presence in football’s grand spectacle. The plan emphasizes building consistency across the campaign, leveraging a mix of experienced veterans and rising talents to push through the congested schedule. The early rounds feature a decision that affects the squad’s dynamics at goalkeeper, as the trusted veteran Claudio Bravo is not included in the starting lineup for the opening matches.
WHY CLAUDIO BRAVO WAS NOT CALLED
The veteran stopper is not part of the lineup in the initial stages of the South American qualifying campaign, a choice confirmed by the head coach. The coach cited Bravo’s decision to skip the most recent FIFA international window as the reason for the non-call. Bravo had previously stated in July that he needed a rest, explaining his stance during that period. Such a move highlights the ongoing management of player workloads and the transition toward a younger generation between the posts.
Countries like Chile are balancing the present with the future, seeking to maximize performance during a grueling schedule while laying groundwork for the next generation of national-team custodians. The quarterback of this strategy is a blend of sensible rotation, clear leadership on and off the pitch, and a commitment to long-term competitiveness in South American football. [cite: Goal]