Bolivia vs Chile

Bolivia aim to revive their slim chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup as they face already-eliminated Chile in a crucial Matchday 16 clash at Estadio Municipal de El Alto on Tuesday.

La Verde sit outside the top six qualification spots but remain in contention for the seventh-placed Inter-confederation playoff position, trailing Venezuela by four points with only three matches left. Bolivia, absent from the World Cup since 1994, face an uphill battle to end their 30-year absence from the global stage.

Under coach Oscar Villegas, Bolivia’s eighth-placed team, with 14 points, is seven points behind the sixth spot, making direct qualification a long shot. Their hopes hinge on overtaking Venezuela for the playoff berth, but a six-match winless streak in CONMEBOL qualifying, including a recent loss to Venezuela, has dimmed their prospects.

Hosting a struggling Chile side could provide Bolivia with a golden opportunity, despite the visitors’ intent to snap their own winless run. Chile, managed by Ricardo Gareca, have won just twice in qualifying, with their November 2024 victory over Venezuela (4-2) being a rare highlight amid two losses and a draw since.

Chile’s attack has been lackluster, failing to score in three straight qualifiers and five of their last six matches. As the bottom-ranked team in CONMEBOL with nine losses in 15 games, La Roja have struggled on the road, earning only one point from seven away matches and failing to score in six.

With Chile’s poor form and Bolivia’s desperate need for points, Tuesday’s match could be a pivotal moment for La Verde to keep their playoff dreams alive.