Two rich footballing nations, Chile and Costa Rica, have failed to secure their places in the extended 48-team World Cup.
Both countries were once regional heavyweights, but their recent struggles highlight deep-rooted issues within their respective footballing structures.
Missing out on three consecutive World Cups, Chile are currently ranked 54th despite being third in 2016
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Missing out on three consecutive World Cups, Chile are currently ranked 54th despite being third in 2016Credit: AFP
Chile is experiencing their longest absence from the competition, failing to qualify for three consecutive tournaments.
They recorded only two wins in their qualification group, finishing at the bottom of the table.
Their fate was sealed following a 2-0 defeat to Bolivia in June 2025.
The national team has struggled to integrate new talent, heavily relying on veterans from their golden generation that won back-to-back Copa America titles in 2015 and 2016.
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Alexis Sanchez, one of the last remaining members of that era, reflected on the heartbreak: "Sad, I am feeling bad. I have never experienced something like this. We have to ask people to forgive us.
"We have to keep working. There's change already, the golden generation is buried, I am the only one left."
The CONMEBOL nations that will represent the region at this summer's World Cup include Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Uruguay.
Ricardo Gareca, who won four league titles in Argentina, stepped down as the Chile manager after their failure to join their rivals.
The nation now faces the daunting task of a squad rebuild ahead of the next tournament qualification cycle.
Group stage World Cup qualifiers
September 2023: Uruguay 3-1 Chile
September 2023: Chile 0-0 Colombia
October 2023: Chile 2-0 Peru
October 2023: Venezuela 3-0 Chile
November 2023: Chile 0-0 Paraguay
November 2023: Ecuador 1-0 Chile
September 2024: Argentina 3-0 Chile
September 2024: Chile 1-2 Bolivia
October 2024: Chile 1-2 Brazil
October 2024: Colombia 4-0 Chile
November 2024: Peru 0-0 Chile
November 2024: Chile 4-2 Venezuela
March 2025: Paraguay 1-0 Chile
March 2025: Chile 0-0 Ecuador
June 2025: Chile 0-1 Argentina
June 2025: Bolivia 2-0 Chile
September 2025: Brazil 3-0 Chile
September 2025: Chile 0-0 Uruguay
Sanchez is currently 37-years-old and is no longer the player he once was
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Sanchez is currently 37-years-old and is no longer the player he once wasCredit: GETTY
Tensions are also high regarding the 2030 tournament as Chile made a joint bid alongside Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, but were excluded from hosting the opening matches.
President Gabriel Boric expressed his frustration: "I regret that there are institutions that operate in such an unserious and surprising manner.
"You don't play around with Chile's national integrity and name."
Group stage World Cup qualifiers
September 2025: Nicaragua 1-1 Costa Rica
September 2025: Costa Rica 3-3 Haiti
October 2025: Honduras 0-0 Costa Rica
October 2025: Costa Rica 4-1 Nicaragua
November 2025: Haiti 1-0 Costa Rica
November 2025: Costa Rica 0-0 Honduras
Costa Rica
Costa Rica have also shockingly failed to qualify despite the tournament expansion, finishing behind group winners Haiti in the CONCACAF qualification.
Detrimental draws against Nicaragua and Haiti ultimately cost them their spot.
Following their impressive 2014 World Cup, where they famously topped a group containing football giants England, Italy and Uruguay, the national team has suffered from a revolving door of managers.
Similar to Chile, there's been a heavy dependence on an aging squad.
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Costa Rica have qualified for the World Cup six times in their history
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Costa Rica have qualified for the World Cup six times in their historyCredit: Getty
Both nations have struggled to move past former glories, failing to adapt to the rising intensity of their regional rivals.
Smaller nations like Haiti in the Caribbean have successfully broke into the international competition, leaving Chile and Costa Rica behind.