Chile misses third straight World Cup after Bolivia defeat

Chile's World Cup aspirations ended after a 2-0 defeat to Bolivia on Tuesday, ensuring they will not participate in their third consecutive World Cup.

The team remains at the bottom of South America's 10-team qualifying group.

Following the disappointing result, head coach Ricardo Gareca announced his resignation from the position.

Bolivia maintains its chances for securing an inter-continental playoff position as they aim to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

In South American qualifying, the leading six teams will automatically qualify for the World Cup. Argentina, the current champions, has already secured their position.

Despite Chile's previous success in winning two Copa America championships in 2015 and 2016, they will not compete in next summer's expanded 48-team tournament.

“Sad, I am feeling bad. Never lived something like this. We have to ask people to forgive us,” veteran Chile striker Alexis Sánchez said. “We have to keep working. There's change already, the golden generation is buried, I am the only one left."

Miguel Terceros put Bolivia ahead as early as in the fifth minute and scored the second in the final minute of the game with Enzo Monteiro at the 4,150-meter high El Alto Stadium, outside La Paz.

Following Chile's disappointing performance, Gareca, the 67-year-old coach from Argentina, announced his departure during a press conference.

His tenure concluded with a record spanning 17 fixtures, comprising four victories, four draws and nine defeats. Notably, he had previously guided Peru to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.