Bolivia's 2-0 Win Over Chile Highlights Shifting Fortunes in South American Football

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Bolivia's national football team defeated Chile 2-0 in El Alto on June 10, 2025, in a match that kept Bolivia's hopes alive for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup intercontinental playoff.

Official match records confirm Miguel Terceros scored in the fifth minute, and Enzo Monteiro added a second goal in stoppage time. The game took place at the Estadio Municipal de El Alto, which stands 4,150 meters above sea level, giving Bolivia a well-known home-field advantage.

Bolivia's win brought their points total to 17, placing them just one point behind Venezuela, which currently holds the playoff spot. Chile, with only 10 points, now sits at the bottom of South America's 10-team qualifying group and cannot reach the World Cup for a third consecutive time.

The loss triggered the resignation of Chile's head coach Ricardo Gareca, who announced his departure after the match. Gareca's tenure lasted 17 games, with four wins, four draws, and nine losses.

Chile's decline comes after a period of historic success, when the team won the Copa América in 2015 and 2016. However, the squad failed to adapt as veteran players aged and new talent did not emerge quickly enough.

Chile's elimination underscores the challenges of generational transition in football, especially for teams with limited resources and a small domestic market.

Bolivia's Win Rekindles World Cup Ambitions and Economic Upside

For Bolivia, the victory represents a rare chance to compete for a World Cup place, something they have not achieved since 1994. Their success at home, particularly at high altitude, remains a key factor in their campaign.

The Bolivian team now faces two decisive matches: an away game against Colombia and a final home match against Brazil. To secure a playoff spot, Bolivia must earn more points and hope for favorable results in other qualifiers.

This match matters to business and sports observers because World Cup participation increases revenue from sponsorships, broadcasting, and tourism. For Chile, missing the tournament means lost economic opportunities and less exposure for its players and league.

For Bolivia, even the possibility of reaching the playoff brings renewed attention and potential commercial benefits. The result reflects the volatility of South American football, where small shifts in performance can have significant financial and sporting consequences.