The international friendly between Chile vs Cape Verde is scheduled for Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 8:00 PM local time (New Zealand) — which is 3:00 AM ET / 12:00 AM PT on March 27. The match will be played at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand, as part of the FIFA Series 2026.
This FIFA-organized friendly at a neutral venue is a great opportunity for both teams to gear up for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and other tournaments.
Chile, ranked 55th in the FIFA Men’s ranking standings, comes in as the favorite, while Cape Verde, at 67th, looks to spring a surprise with their strong defensive game.
Cape Verde arrived in high spirits after securing their first-ever qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a historic achievement for the nation. Meanwhile, Chile has managed to win only 2 of their 18 matches in the CONMEBOL qualifiers.
Chile vs Cape Verde Match Details, Match Date, Time, Predictions, and Where to Watch
- Date: 27 March 2026
- Kick-off Time 16:00 (local time in NZ) / 03:00 UTC
- Venue: Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand
- Match Type: International Friendly
Team News
Under new management, Chile is in a rebuilding phase after missing the last three World Cups. Chile Coach Nicolás Córdovahas called up a strong squad, including Premier League and European-based players such as Gaby Suazo (Sevilla), Ben Brereton Díaz, and rising talents like Miguel Terceros. No major injuries reported. Chile will likely play a compact 4-2-3-1, focusing on possession and quick transitions.
Cape Verde The Islanders are without a few Europe-based players due to club commitments but still have a solid core. Coach Bubista will rely on defensive discipline and counter-attacks. Key players like Garry Rodrigues and Ryan Mendes are expected to feature if available.
Head-to-Head Record
This will be just the second clash between the two teams, with Chile having cruised to victory in their only previous meeting, a 2023 friendly.
| Date | Competition | Result | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Friendly | Chile 3-0 Cape Verde | Neutral |
Chile vs Cape Verde Starting XI Lineups
Chile (4-2-3-1): Vigouroux; Maripan, Kuscevic, Lichnovsky; Suazo, Loyola, Pizarro; Osorio, Millan, Aravena; Brereton Diaz
Cape Verde (4-3-3): Vozinha; Paulo, Pires, Borges, Moreira; Semedo, Rodrigues; Arcanjo, Duarte, Mendes; Livramento
Key Players to Watch
- Chile:
- Ben Brereton Díaz (pace and finishing)
- Marcelino Núñez (midfield control).
- Cape Verde:
- Garry Rodrigues (winger)
- Ryan Mendes (experienced attacker).
Match Prediction
Chile are clear favorites due to ranking, squad quality, and recent form. Cape Verde are well-organized but likely lack the firepower to trouble Chile. Expect a controlled home/neutral win for the South Americans.
- Chile 2-0 Cape Verde
Where to Watch Chile vs Cape Verde
- USA: ESPN+, fuboTV, or Paramount+ (check local listings for ESPN Deportes).
- Latin America: Star+ / ESPN.
- Global: FIFA+ (free in many countries) and CONMEBOL/CAF official YouTube channels for highlights.
