What happened to Chile football? The downfall of “La Roja”

Once undisputed kings of their continent, Chile now finds itself at its weakest point in modern football history. The Chilean national football team, once the pride of Latin American football, currently languishes at the bottom of the CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup qualifier standings. It’s hard to believe that a team once renowned for its artistry, passion, and tactical brilliance has fallen so far. What happened to “La Roja,” a team that was once the embodiment of Latin American football beauty?

Chile’s rise to the top was nothing short of spectacular. In 2015 and 2016, they won back-to-back Copa América titles, beating none other than Lionel Messi’s Argentina in both finals. In those days, they played with a swagger and confidence that made them the epitome of Latin American football. With Brazil and Argentina struggling to maintain their once-dominant styles, Chile stepped up, led by a golden generation of players like Arturo Vidal, Alexis Sánchez, and Claudio Bravo. Their aggressive, high-pressing style under coaches like Marcelo Bielsa and later Jorge Sampaoli became the model for success. Chile wasn’t just a team to be feared; they were the face of a new, dynamic era of football in South America.

However, the glory days didn’t last. The team that once made the footballing world stand in awe is now in ruins. After failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the situation has only worsened. Just recently, after another disappointing defeat to Brazil in the World Cup qualifiers, Chile found itself at the bottom of the points table. With only 5 points from 9 matches and just one win, Chile’s performance has been abysmal. Shockingly, traditionally weaker teams like Peru, Paraguay, Venezuela, and Bolivia are ahead of them. If this trajectory continues, fans may not see Chile in the 2026 World Cup—a stark contrast to their former glory.

The decline is not just reflected in their points tally but also in their performances in major tournaments. In this year’s Copa América, the once-mighty champions were eliminated in the group stage after a series of uninspired performances. This marked Chile’s worst showing in the tournament since 2004, underlining the depth of their fall. For a team that was once synonymous with elegance and flair on the pitch, their current state is nothing short of tragic.

So what caused this dramatic fall from grace? Many point to the team’s overreliance on veteran players, particularly the stars of their golden generation like Alexis Sánchez, Arturo Vidal, and Gary Medel. While these players have given everything to the national team and still have moments of brilliance, their best days are behind them. Chilean fans, as loyal as they are, acknowledge that it’s time for a generational shift. New blood is needed if the team is to rebuild and return to its former heights.

But the problems go beyond the pitch. Criticism has also been leveled at the football authorities for their mismanagement and lack of long-term vision. Reports of poor infrastructure have surfaced, including a viral story about the national team’s shower rooms overflowing with human waste. This shocking incident is a symbol of the deeper dysfunction within Chilean football, from the national federation down to the grassroots. The lack of investment in youth development and infrastructure has left the team ill-prepared to face the challenges of modern football.

The decline isn’t confined to the national team either. Chilean club football, once a powerhouse in South America, is also suffering. Chilean clubs that used to compete with Brazilian and Argentinian giants in the Copa Libertadores are now struggling even against much smaller teams. The decline in the quality of club football mirrors the national team’s fall. Meanwhile, nations like Paraguay and Ecuador are investing in their youth, developing new talent to build for the future, while Chile seems stuck in the past, clinging to the remnants of its golden generation.

Despite all of this, there is still hope. Many fans and football experts believe that Chile remains a “talent factory” capable of producing top-tier players. The country has a rich footballing history and a passionate fan base, and with the right attention, they believe Chile can bounce back. This current slump, they argue, is part of the natural cycle of football—a decline that often accompanies the need for generational change. As difficult as this period may be, fans remain optimistic that “La Roja” will rise again, just as they have done in the past.

So here’s to the revival of Chilean football—may the nation’s talent blossom once more, and may “La Roja” rise like a phoenix from the ashes to reclaim their place among football’s elite!