Chilean national team coach Nicolás Córdova announced the starting lineup for the friendly against Cape Verde in Auckland, New Zealand. The match takes place on Friday, March 27, at 00:00 at Eden Park. It features newcomers like goalkeeper Thomas Gillier and defender Felipe Faúndez.
Chile's national football team, La Roja, is gearing up for its first match of 2026 against Cape Verde, an African side that qualified for the 2026 World Cup in North America for the first time. The friendly will be played at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand, at 00:00 on Friday, March 27 (Chilean time). Coach Nicolás Córdova selected a 4-2-3-1 formation after training sessions in the New Zealand city. The starting lineup features goalkeeper Thomas Gillier, a surprise pick. The Universidad Católica product was scouted by Algeria due to his paternal grandmother's birth there during its time as a French colony, and his French language skills. He edges out previous starter Lawrence Vigouroux. Defender Felipe Faúndez takes the right flank, aided by his strong form at O’Higgins and an hamstring injury to Universidad de Chile's Fabián Hormazábal. He is joined by Benjamín Kuscevic, Iván Román, and Gabriel Suazo. Midfielders Vicente Pizarro and Felipe Loyola anchor the center, with Darío Osorio, Javier Altamirano, and Lucas Cepeda ahead, and Gonzalo Tapia up top. Most players have been regulars in Córdova's process, with varying playing time. Cape Verde, the Atlantic archipelago and smallest country by territory to reach a World Cup, poses an intriguing test for La Roja in this warmup.
