Chile Fields Youthful Lineup, New Captain in World Cup Qualifier Against Brazil
RIO DE JANEIRO – Chile’s interim coach Nicolás Córdova is ushering in a new era for La Roja, naming a remarkably young starting eleven and appointing Gabriel Suazo as captain for Thursday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Brazil at the Maracanã. The squad represents a significant shift from the nation’s previously established “golden generation” and signals a clear focus on rebuilding for the future.
Córdova’s lineup features a bold 3-5-2 formation anchored by central defenders Paulo Díaz, Guillermo Maripán, and Universidad Católica’s Daniel González. Swansea City goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux, who completed a full season in the English Championship, will start in goal. The midfield will consist of Fabián Hormazábal and gabriel Suazo as wing-backs, supported by a central trio of Rodrigo Echeverría, Vicente pizarro, and Lucas Assadi. Up front, emerging talents Alexander Aravena of Gremio and Lucas Cepeda of Colo Colo will lead the attack.
The team will be without Darío Osorio,Bruno Barticciotto,and Benjamín Kuscevic due to injury. sevilla FC’s Gabriel Suazo, previously a captain for both Colo Colo and Toulouse, will wear the armband, bringing European experience and leadership to the squad.
Córdova will field the following starting eleven: Vigouroux; González, Díaz, Maripán; Hormazábal, Echeverría, Assadi, Pizarro, Suazo; Aravena and Cepeda.
This match marks a symbolic beginning for a new cycle in Chilean football, as the team looks to navigate the qualification process for the 2026 World Cup in North America with a fresh approach and a generation of promising young players.