Chile Fields Youthful Lineup, New Captain in World Cup Qualifier Against Brazil
RIO DE JANEIRO – Chile’s interim coach Nicolรกs Cรณrdova 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 Maracanรฃ. The squad represents a significant shift from the nation’s previously established “golden generation” and signals a clear focus on rebuilding for the future.
Cรณrdova’s lineup features a bold 3-5-2 formation anchored by central defenders Paulo Dรญaz, Guillermo Maripรกn, and Universidad Catรณlica’s Daniel Gonzรกlez. Swansea City goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux, who completed a full season in the English Championship, will start in goal. The midfield will consist of Fabiรกn Hormazรกbal and gabriel Suazo as wing-backs, supported by a central trio of Rodrigo Echeverrรญa, 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 Darรญo Osorio,Bruno Barticciotto,and Benjamรญn 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.
Cรณrdova will field the following starting eleven: Vigouroux; Gonzรกlez, Dรญaz, Maripรกn; Hormazรกbal, Echeverrรญa, 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.