Chile is reeling from their early exit from the Copa America after a disappointing 0-0 draw with Canada. The result meant Chile, who needed a win to advance, finished third in Group A behind Argentina and Canada. This is the earliest Chile has been eliminated from the tournament since 2004, marking a significant setback for the two-time champions. Assistant coach Sergio Santin expressed the team’s disappointment while emphasizing their focus on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
Despite their early exit, Santin highlighted positive aspects of the team’s performance, stating, “There are things that the team showed today that are essential for the future of this national team.” However, the team’s reliance on veteran players like Claudio Bravo and Alexis Sanchez, coupled with their struggles in the CONMEBOL qualifiers – currently eighth in the standings with only three goals in six matches – raises serious concerns about their World Cup aspirations.
Chile’s performance in the Copa America was further hampered by a red card to Gabriel Suazo in the 27th minute, leaving them down a man for a significant portion of the match. While players expressed frustration with the refereeing decisions, Santin chose to focus on the team’s effort and the defensive tactics employed by Canada.
“We were one man down, which meant that we had one man less for the attack. Regarding the officiating, we won’t criticise what happened,” Santin said. The team is now focused on analyzing their recent performances and implementing necessary changes to improve their chances in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Despite the disappointment of their Copa America elimination, Chile is determined to learn from their experience and strive for success in the future. The team faces a tough challenge in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, but they remain optimistic about their chances.
