Uruguay and Chile end World Cup qualification campaign with goalless draw

Chile Fails to Capitalize in 0-0 Draw Against Uruguay in World Cup Qualifiers

The final match of the World Cup qualification campaign saw Uruguay and Chile play out a goalless draw. Read more about the match highlights and implications for both teams.

Uruguay is now focused on redeeming themselves after a disappointing 2022 World Cup campaign, where...

Chile's FIFA World Cup qualification campaign ended on a disappointing note with a 0-0 draw against Uruguay at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos in Santiago. This result marked Chile's first 10th-placed finish in 24 years, highlighting their struggles throughout the tournament. Despite having 49% possession and 16 shots, Chile failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities, with players like Ben Brereton and Lucas Cepeda unable to find the back of the net.

Uruguay, already assured of their spot in the World Cup, fielded a mix of starters and substitutes, including Federico Valverde and Darwin Nunez. Marcelo Bielsa made significant changes to his lineup, introducing seven new players from his previous match against Peru. Despite their star-studded lineup, Uruguay struggled to create scoring chances, managing only three shots. Chile, on the other hand, showed glimpses of brilliance but ultimately couldn't break the deadlock.

This campaign marked Chile's worst performance in World Cup qualifiers, with only 11 points from 18 matches and a goal difference of -18. Chile's inability to score goals was a significant factor in their struggles, averaging less than one goal per match. The team's failure to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time has raised questions about the future of Chilean football.

Uruguay had a close call early on when Rodrigo Echeverría's powerful shot hit the crossbar after just 10 minutes. The Uruguayans were fortunate to escape without conceding, and they quickly responded with Darwin Núñez coming close to scoring his sixth World Cup qualification goal. However, Lawrence Vigouroux made an impressive flying save to deny him.

The game intensified just before the half-hour mark, with Lucas Cepeda's effort forcing Santiago Mele to make a crucial save. The goalkeeper palmed the ball away, averting potential danger and keeping the score goalless. The match remained tightly contested, with both teams creating scoring opportunities.

Uruguay's World Cup qualification campaign has been marked by intense competition and dramatic moments. With Darwin Núñez leading the charge, the team aims to secure a spot in the upcoming tournament. Their performance against Chile will be crucial in determining their chances of qualification.

The match took a contentious turn towards the end of the first half when Felipe Loyola committed a horror challenge on Manuel Ugarte. Referee Anderson Daronco's decision to issue only a yellow card sparked astonishment from Uruguay's manager, Marcelo Bielsa. The incident added a layer of tension to the game, despite its overall low-key nature.

The controversy was momentarily forgotten after the restart when Santiago Mele made a crucial save to deny Fabián Hormazábal his first-ever international goal. Mele's impressive reaction and shot-stopping ability proved pivotal in maintaining Uruguay's clean sheet. The save showcased Mele's skill and composure under pressure, highlighting his importance to the Uruguayan team.

Uruguay's defense, marshaled by goalkeeper Santiago Mele and the rest of the backline, demonstrated solidity throughout the match. Despite Chile's attacking efforts, Uruguay's defensive unit remained resolute, ultimately securing a 0-0 draw. This result extended Uruguay's unbeaten head-to-head run against Chile to six matches.

Santiago Mele made a crucial save in the 56th minute, expertly keeping out Ben Brereton Díaz's strike from close range. This impressive stop showcased Mele's skills and further solidified his position as a contender for Uruguay's number one jersey in the upcoming World Cup.

¡Todo quedó igualado en Santiago! 🇨🇱⚽🇺🇾#EliminatoriasSudamericanas pic.twitter.com/VW0Ubz4TwO

— CONMEBOL.com (@CONMEBOL) September 10, 2025

As both teams had already secured their respective fates, the match became a relatively routine affair. With little at stake, the intensity waned, and goalmouth action petered out in the closing minutes. The game ended 0-0, a fitting conclusion to Chile's disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign.

Mele's performance has intensified the competition for Uruguay's number one jersey, with Sergio Rochet being a strong contender. Mele's impressive saves and overall play have made him a viable option for the starting role. The battle for the number one spot is expected to be fierce as the team prepares for the World Cup.

Uruguay is now focused on redeeming themselves after a disappointing 2022 World Cup campaign, where they failed to advance beyond the group stage. With a talented squad and experienced players like Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, Uruguay aims to make a strong impression in the upcoming tournament. Marcelo Bielsa's appointment as manager has brought new energy to the team, and they'll look to make a deep run in the competition.

Meanwhile, Chile can finally bid farewell to the 2026 World Cup qualification cycle, which saw them struggle with three different managers at the helm. Their forgettable campaign ended with a 0-0 draw against Uruguay, marking a low point for the team. With only 11 points from 18 matches and a goal difference of -18, Chile's performance was one of the worst in their World Cup qualifying history.