Manuel Pellegrini named top candidate to revive Chile’s absent World Cup squad

Chile failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, prompting debate over the future of the national team. Former goalkeeper Felipe Núñez, now a coach in the United States, said that Manuel Pellegrini is the only figure capable of uniting the federation, players, media and fans, adding that “the level of our football is not ready to compete” and stressing the need for a long‑term rebuilding plan.

While the team remains absent, Chilean fans continue to watch the tournament closely, expressing emotional support for under‑dog nations such as Cabo Verde. Columnist Arnaldo Canales Benítez notes that the World Cup still serves as a shared cultural experience, bringing families together and allowing Chileans to feel connected to the global football story despite their own team's omission.