Chile Out of the 2026 World Cup: Alexis Asks Forgiveness After Defeat Against Bolivia

Chile Out of the World Cup: The Golden Generation Says Goodbye

Chile’s national team will not be present in its third consecutive World Cup, after falling 2-0 to Bolivia last Tuesday. This result keeps them in the last position of the South American competition, leaving behind the hopes of qualifying for the 2026 tournament to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Bolivia, for its part, keeps alive the hope of accessing the intercontinental play-off. The top six teams from the South American qualifiers will earn a direct spot in the World Cup. Argentina, the current champion, has already secured its qualification. The Chilean golden generation, which won two Copa América titles in 2015 and 2016, will not be in the next edition of the tournament, which will feature 48 teams.

“Sad, I feel bad. I never experienced anything like this. We have to apologize to the people,” declared Alexis Sánchez, veteran forward of Chile, after the match. “We have to keep working. There are already changes, the golden generation is buried, I am the only one left”.

Alexis Sánchez

Bolivia opened the scoring with a goal by Miguel Terceros in the fifth minute, and added the second in the 90th minute, by Enzo Monteiro, at the El Alto Stadium, located at 4,150 meters altitude, on the outskirts of La Paz. With this result, the Bolivians have a total of 17 points, putting pressure on Venezuela, which has 18 and will play later against Uruguay. Both teams are vying for seventh place, which grants access to the intercontinental play-off. Colombia, which occupies sixth position, has 21 points. Ecuador could secure their spot with a victory against Peru. Brazil and Paraguay, who will face each other in Sao Paulo, could also seal their qualification if they win and Venezuela loses in Montevideo. Argentina and Colombia also faced each other on Tuesday. Bolivia’s future will be defined in September, when it faces Colombia as a visitor and Brazil at home.