Chile’s World Cup Hopes Fade as Calls for Change Intensify

Following a crushing 4-0 defeat to Colombia, Chile’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup appear lost. Fans and media are now demanding the dismissal of head coach Ricardo Gareca and the resignation of the National Association of Professional Soccer (ANFP) president, Pablo Milad.

Four Defeats and Counting

Chile’s national soccer team, La Roja, is in disarray after a humiliating 4-0 loss to Colombia. The defeat marks their fourth consecutive loss in the World Cup qualifiers, following earlier setbacks against Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil. With just five points from 30 available, Chile sits at the bottom of the South American standings, and the dream of participating in the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States feels increasingly unattainable.

The Chilean press has not held back in criticizing the national team’s performance. La Tercera described the Colombian expedition as “a disaster,” while Juan Cristobal Guarello, a prominent Chilean sports journalist, harshly critiqued head coach Ricardo Gareca. Guarello accused the Argentine coach of being uninspired and lazy, painting a grim picture of a team that lacks direction and fight.

The players, too, have come under scrutiny. Criticism extends beyond tactical decisions and game strategy, with many expressing frustration at the field’s lack of passion and determination. As Guarello bluntly put it, “There was no attitude of rebellion,” a statement that echoes the sentiment of many fans who have grown weary of watching their beloved La Roja falter.

The Pressure Mounts on Gareca and Milad

Amid the mounting losses, the finger-pointing has intensified, and the spotlight has turned squarely on coach Ricardo Gareca and ANFP president Pablo Milad. Both men now face intense public and media pressure to step down. Following the latest defeat, Gareca hinted at uncertainty regarding his future: “I need to calm down and be with my technical staff. It’s hard to sustain this process, but I don’t have the answer yet.”

Pablo Milad echoed this sentiment, suggesting that decisions regarding Gareca’s future would be made after some reflection. “We’re going to wait a few days. Any decision taken will be made with a cool head,” Milad said, though his remarks only fueled speculation about the growing instability surrounding the national team.

For many Chilean fans and media, the situation calls for decisive action, and both men are seen as responsible for the national team’s sharp decline. Milad, in particular, has faced heavy criticism for his “poor management” of Chilean soccer. Calls for his resignation have grown louder, with fans arguing that leadership changes are essential if La Roja is to have any hope of reversing its fortunes.

Who Could Replace Gareca? 

As speculation about Ricardo Gareca’s future intensifies, attention has shifted to potential replacements. Several names have emerged as contenders to take the reins of La Roja, with an intense debate over whether the next head coach should be a Chilean or another foreigner.

One possible candidate is Nicolás Córdova, the current coach of Chile’s U-20 team. According to Redgol, Córdova is one of the top choices for stepping into Gareca’s shoes. Many believe promoting a coach from within the national setup could provide continuity while injecting fresh ideas into the senior squad.

Other Chilean coaches have also been mentioned as potential successors. Jaime García, who previously managed Santiago Wanderers in the Primera B division, and Gustavo Huertas, the head coach of Cobresal in the Primera División, are two names being floated by local media. Both coaches have built solid reputations in Chilean soccer and are seen by some as capable of reinvigorating the national team.

However, the possibility of hiring another foreign coach remains on the table. Gareca’s success with the Peruvian national team, where he led them to the 2018 World Cup, initially made him a promising candidate for Chile. But after a series of disappointing results, many are questioning whether Chile should continue hiring coaches from abroad. There’s a growing sentiment that a local coach might be better suited to understand the unique dynamics of Chilean soccer and foster a stronger connection with the players and fans.

Is There Still Hope? 

While the mood surrounding Chile’s World Cup prospects is grim, some are not ready to give up entirely. Mathematically, La Roja still has a chance to qualify, but it will require a dramatic turnaround in both performance and results. Chile is seven points behind the seventh-place spot, which grants a team entry into the intercontinental playoff. Bolivia, with 12 points, occupies that coveted position.

Chilean media outlets have begun crunching the numbers to see what it would take for La Roja to salvage their World Cup campaign. According to AlAireLibre, Chile would need to accumulate between 18 and 22 points in the remaining eight matches to have a realistic shot at qualification. In the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, Chile finished with 19 points, placing them in seventh—a position that 2026 would offer a lifeline in the form of a playoff.

The upcoming matches against Peru and Venezuela in November could be pivotal. Winning both games could reignite the team’s belief and offer a glimmer of hope for qualification. ESPN analyst Jorge Gómez emphasized the importance of these matches, stating, “The sprint starts by taking six points from six against Peru and Venezuela. We need to win in Lima to start believing in something.”

However, even the most optimistic fans acknowledge the uphill battle ahead. Chile’s performances have been inconsistent at best, and their defensive vulnerabilities have been laid bare in recent matches. If Gareca stays on, he will need to quickly find a way to fix the team’s defensive frailties and instill a renewed sense of belief and determination in his players.

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For now, Chileans will be anxiously waiting to see whether Gareca and Milad can survive the mounting pressure or if changes will be made that could reshape the future of Chilean soccer. Whether it’s through a new coach or a miracle on the field, La Roja’s path to the 2026 World Cup remains uncertain.