Chile Eliminated from 2026 World Cup Qualification After Loss to Bolivia

The Chile national team has been eliminated from the 2026 World Cup after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Bolivia at El Alto Stadium, situated 4,150 meters above sea level. The loss keeps Chile anchored at the bottom of the South American qualification standings.

Alexis Sánchez, Chile’s veteran striker, expressed his sorrow:

“Sad, I am feeling bad. Never lived something like this. We have to ask people to forgive us. We have to keep working. There’s change already, the golden generation is buried, I am the only one left.”

Bolivia secured their victory through goals from Miguel Terceros in the fifth minute and Enzo Monteiro in the 90th minute. This win puts Bolivia on 17 points, keeping their hopes alive for the intercontinental playoff spot.

This failure marks a dark era for Chilean football — a team that won consecutive Copa América titles about a decade ago will now miss the World Cup for the third straight time.