GOAL analyzes the hurdles ahead for Eduardo Berizzo and Chile as World Cup qualifying kicks off against Uruguay in September
GOAL looks at the road Chile faces as the qualifying campaign begins, with a crucial opener versus Uruguay in September signaling the start of what promises to be a demanding phase for the team under coach Eduardo Berizzo.
Since Argentina’s entry into the 2022 edition, South American teams have been busy mapping routes to the 2026 World Cup, which will be staged across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Chile, under Berizzo, will aim to rebound after periods of absence from previous tournaments, a fate that echoed only in the early 2000s when Korea-Japan 2002 and Germany 2006 marked returns absent from the finals for long stretches. Across 22 World Cups, Chile has missed the tournament thirteen times, underscoring the uphill battle ahead.
The coaching era that began with Reinaldo Rueda and later transitioned to Martin Lasarte left Chile with a record of five wins, four draws, and nine losses in 18 matches. The campaign featured challenges on both ends of the pitch, with Chile posting what was, at the time, the third-worst attacking output. Only 19 goals were scored, five of them by Alexis Sánchez, Chile’s all-time top scorer, who carried much of the creative burden. Defensively, Chile also endured a tough spell, finishing the campaign with 26 points, a figure that placed them among the lower tiers of the table alongside other regional rivals. These results highlighted the need for renewed focus and a sharper game plan under Berizzo.
Regarding the expansion of World Cup participant slots, FIFA increased the field from 32 to 48 teams, with South America receiving six and a half places. The change means the top six teams from CONMEBOL secure direct qualification, while another squad battles for a playoff spot. Chile carries a minor points deduction due to sanctions related to the Byron Castillo case, which adds an extra layer of challenge to their qualification push.
The CONMEBOL calendar initially proposed a March start for the qualifiers, but the schedule was adjusted to accommodate friendlies and pre-season matchups as teams prepare for the North American route. The road to the 2026 tournament will feature three double dates in 2023, followed by an identical pattern in 2024 and 2025, with a resit day slotted for 2026—a rhythm that will demand consistency across the calendar and clear progression for Berizzo’s squad. In the meantime, the federation announced upcoming test matches, including a high-profile preparation clash against fellow South Americans, to sharpen form and team chemistry ahead of the long qualifying journey.
On the occasion of the Copa América 2024 format, there is a shift: the competition expands to include 16 teams, with six additional entrants from CONCACAF joining the South American pool. The competition is organized across four groups of four teams, and it will be staged in the United States. The event holds special significance for Chile as they seek a results-driven run and a confidence boost ahead of the World Cup qualifying rounds. This new structure intensifies the fight for group-stage success and the chance to advance through the bracket in the summer calendar.
Berizzo’s assistants and staff have tested formations in preparation matches, compiling a mixed record in friendlies that underscores the need for tactical clarity and squad balance. The recent results reflect a period of experimentation, with the team hoping to translate those lessons into decisive competitive performances. The national team continues to focus on building a compact defense, dynamic attacking options, and a resilient midfield that can control tempo and react quickly to opponents’ approaches. These elements will be essential as Chile navigates the expanded qualification landscape and seeks to reemerge on football’s biggest stage.
No official schedule for Chile’s full 48-team qualification plan had been released at the time of reporting, but the pathway remains clear: perform consistently in the early phase, secure valuable points, and position the team for direct qualification or a playoff route in a robust, strategically managed campaign. The ongoing preparation and the evolving competitive calendar reflect a country intent on restoring its World Cup presence and reestablishing itself as a competitive force in South American football. This narrative underscores the importance of unity, discipline, and a precise tactical approach as the road to North America unfolds.
Attribution: Goal