When Nicolás Córdova, interim coach of Chile announced the 27‑man squad for Thursday’s World Cup 2026 qualifier against Brazil, veteran forward Alexis Sánchez and midfield stalwart Arturo Vidal were omitted. The move, described by local pundits as a "shocking squad reset," comes as Chile sits at the bottom of the South American qualifying table, already out of direct contention for the expanded 48‑team tournament.
Background: A campaign gone awry
Chile entered the 2026 World Cup qualifying cycle with modest expectations, hoping a blend of seasoned leaders and emerging talent could at least secure a playoff spot. Instead, the side has collected only three points from eight matches, trailing the group leaders by a wide margin. A bruising 2‑0 defeat to Bolivia at El Alto Stadium in La Paz on 6 September 2025 confirmed Chile’s relegation to the bottom‑place “relegation” zone.
That loss was especially painful because the high‑altitude venue – perched at 4,150 metres – gave Bolivia a physical edge. Miguel Terceros sliced open the Chilean defence in the fifth minute, while Enzo Monteiro capped the win with a late strike in the 90th minute.
The shocking squad reset
In a press conference held at the National Football Federation headquarters on 9 September, Córdova explained his rationale: "We have to look forward, not backward. The golden generation has given us everything, now it's time for new blood." The decision to leave out Sánchez, who has amassed over 140 caps and 40 goals, and Vidal, a two‑time Copa América champion with more than 150 appearances, sent a clear signal that the federation is ready to turn the page.
Fans expressed mixed emotions on social media. Some wrote, "Respect the legends, but this is a new era," while others lamented, "No more Sánchez and Vidal? How will we ever win without them?" The divide underlines how deeply those two players have been woven into Chile’s football identity.
Reactions from the veterans
After the squad was published, Sánchez granted an interview to a national TV outlet. "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," he said, his voice cracking.
Vidal, speaking through his agent, declined a direct comment but his recent Instagram post – a photo of his family with the caption "New chapter" – was interpreted by many as an acceptance of the transition.
Implications for the Brazil clash
Brazil, sitting comfortably in third place with 22 points, will arrive in Santiago on 12 September expecting a rout. Without Sánchez’s aerial threat and Vidal’s box‑to‑box dynamism, Chile is likely to adopt a more defensive setup, possibly moving to a 4‑5‑1 formation anchored by young centre‑back Julián Álvarez (not to be confused with the Argentine forward).
Analysts from ESPN predict a low‑scoring affair, noting that Brazil’s attack will need to breach a compact back line that has, surprisingly, kept clean sheets in four of its last five matches.
Looking ahead: rebuilding Chilean football
The federation has already hinted at a youth‑focused development plan that will see increased investment in under‑23 academies across the country. A committee led by former defender Gonzalo Jara will audit the domestic league’s talent pipeline. If the new generation can emulate the tactical discipline of the past while adding modern versatility, Chile may return to form for the 2027 Copa América and, perhaps, the next World Cup cycle.
For now, the immediate task is to avoid a humiliating defeat at the hands of Brazil. Whether the bold gamble of excluding two of its most iconic players pays off will be judged in the next 90 minutes.
Key Facts
- Interim coach: Nicolás Córdova
- Veteran players dropped: Alexis Sánchez and Arturo Vidal
- Next match: Chile vs. Brazil, 12 September 2025, Estadio Nacional, Santiago
- Current standing: 10th place, 3 points from 8 games
- Recent loss: 2‑0 to Bolivia at El Alto Stadium
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did coach Córdova drop Sánchez and Vidal?
Córdova argued that the team needs to look beyond the “golden generation” and give younger players a chance to develop. With the squad already out of direct qualification, he sees this as an opportunity to rebuild for future tournaments.
How will Chile’s tactics change against Brazil without Sánchez and Vidal?
Analysts expect a tighter defensive shape, likely a 4‑5‑1 or 5‑4‑1, relying on compactness rather than the attacking flair Sánchez and Vidal provided. The focus will be on absorbing pressure and looking for quick counter‑attacks.
What does this mean for Chile’s World Cup hopes?
Chile is already eliminated from direct qualification and can only hope for a playoff spot, which now looks highly unlikely. The real goal is to start a youth‑focused rebuild for the next cycle.
Which young players could step up in the upcoming match?
Midfielder Julián Álvarez and forward Benjamín Olivares have impressed in recent friendlies and may earn starting spots.
How have fans reacted to the squad overhaul?
Social media shows a split response: older supporters mourn the loss of iconic figures, while younger fans welcome the chance for fresh talent to emerge. The consensus is that the move is bold but inevitable.
Post Comments (3)
Wow, dropping both Sánchez and Vidal is a bold move, but it could actually spark the kind of fresh energy Chile needs. The youngsters have been knocking on the door all season, and now they finally get a chance to prove they belong. If the team can keep a solid defensive shape, those early minutes against Brazil might turn into a confidence boost. I’m rooting for the new faces to step up and show they can handle pressure. Let’s hope the reset pays off before the qualifiers end.
Honestly, cutting the two legends feels like a gimmick rather than a solution. The fans deserve a bit more respect for the contributions those guys made. While fresh blood is nice, it shouldn't come at the cost of abandoning experience. This feels more like panic than planning.
It's weird to see such a drastic change when the team is already sinking. Dropping experience won't magically fix a broken system.