Chile faced Ecuador in a tense encounter for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers at the Estadio Nacional in Santiago on March 25, 2025. Despite being under tremendous pressure, Chile controlled possession but struggled to convert this advantage into goals. The match ended in a disappointing draw, with both teams failing to score.
Entering the match, Ecuador held second place in the South American qualifiers with 23 points, an impressive feat considering their earlier three-point deduction at the start of qualifiers. Conversely, Chile was languishing at the bottom of the table with only nine points and needed a victory to maintain their hopes for a playoff spot. However, the reality of the standings loomed large as they faced a formidable Ecuadorian side riding high on a recent 2-1 victory over Venezuela.
From the kick-off, Chile pressed hard in search of an early goal. Their midfielders, led by veteran Arturo Vidal, dominated possession, completing over 300 passes in the first half. However, the relentless pace and focus ultimately led to frustration, as they managed only a single shot on goal before halftime. The lack of clinical finishing revealed their problems, as Chile has now scored only nine goals in 14 matches during the qualifiers. Despite recurring attempts, the home side could not break through Ecuador’s resolute defense.
Ecuador, confident of their position, gradually grew into the match as the second half unfolded. Coach Sebastián Beccacece acknowledged, “We defended well. Although we didn’t play well in the first half, in the second we showed our best version.” The direct approach and strategic counter-attacking became more evident as Ecuador sensed Chile’s fatigue, creating several chances to snatch a winner.
Perhaps the most dramatic moment came in the dying minutes of the game. After a swift counter-attack led by Piero Hincapié, Ecuador’s Enner Valencia found the back of the net at the 93rd minute, seemingly securing a late victory. However, the goal was disallowed by the VAR for a marginal offside, leaving Ecuador frustrated and sending the home crowd into a frenzy of mixed emotions.
Chile’s coach, Ricardo Gareca, faced growing unrest among fans, who began chanting, “Gareca already goes,” capturing the sentiment of discontent toward their national side’s performance and lack of progress. Under Gareca, Chile has only mustered five points from their last eight qualifiers, prompting calls for change as each match passes. Despite this, he reassured supporters, claiming, “I have all the energy; I’m happy, and I wouldn’t like to leave the post at this moment.”
The match concluded with both teams sharing the points, which left Ecuador standing firm in second place with 23 points, closing in on a potential qualification for the World Cup. The next match for Ecuador will be critical, as they host Brazil in Quito on June 4, 2025. Meanwhile, Chile must gather morale and prepare for a daunting match against Argentina, the current group leaders.
Reflecting on the match, Beccacece stated, “We are growing with humility, and step by step we are getting closer to the objective. We are accumulating points away from home, which was challenging for Ecuador.” His sentiments echoed the aspirations of a nation hopeful for a successful World Cup campaign while lamenting the challenges faced by Chile, who now finds themselves further away from recovering their glory days on the international stage.
With the qualifiers entering a decisive phase, Ecuador aims to maintain their upward trajectory, while Chile must urgently regain form if they hope to keep their dwindling dreams of World Cup qualification alive.
