Ricardo Gareca is no longer the head coach of Chile’s national team, as confirmed on Friday following a meeting with Chilean Football Association (FA) president Pablo Milad. The Argentine’s departure brings an end to a 14-month tenure that was marked by disappointing results and growing internal dissatisfaction within the team and the federation.
Chile currently finds itself at the bottom of the South American World Cup qualifying table, with just 10 points and a -12 goal difference, trailing the playoff spot by five points with only four games remaining. The situation was further exacerbated by recent poor performances, including a 1-0 loss to Paraguay and a goalless draw against Ecuador, which ultimately sealed Gareca’s fate. Despite taking charge of the national team amid high hopes, the lack of progress on the field and mounting frustration with his leadership led to his dismissal.
In addition to the disappointing results, Gareca’s comments in press conferences sparked controversy. He often distanced himself from accountability, claiming that he “inherited” the team’s challenges and that Chile hadn’t qualified for the past two World Cups anyway. His apparent detachment from the domestic football scene, frequent trips to Argentina, and lack of regular training camps further fueled discontent among fans and the media. Chile’s FA was required to pay a $1.35 million settlement to part ways with Gareca, although negotiations may have reduced this amount. Gareca’s official record stands at one win, four draws, and six losses in 11 competitive matches—a success rate of just 21.2%, making his tenure one of the most underwhelming in the history of Chilean football. While he did record three wins in friendlies, these victories provided little solace in the face of failed qualification hopes. The Chilean FA now faces the daunting task of finding a new coach who can lift the team out of its current slump and reignite hopes of qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
