In St. Louis, the first international window after the 2026 World Cup brings the United States and Chile together for a friendly carrying different shades of renewal. Before the match, US coach Mauricio Pochettino offered a measured assessment of Chile’s recent struggles and warm support for Manuel Pellegrini as a possible future national-team appointment.
Quick facts
- United States face Chile in St. Louis on Tuesday, 29 September.
- Kick-off is scheduled for 18:00 Mexico Central Time.
- The United States beat Peru 4-1 on Saturday.
- Chile lost 1-0 to Canada on the same day.
- Manuel Pellegrini remains Real Betis coach, with his contract due to expire in June 2027.
Chile have missed the past three World Cups, but Pochettino declined to pass a detailed verdict on the reasons behind that run. The Argentine said he did not have sufficient knowledge of the internal circumstances around the national side in recent years.
“It would not be right or respectful to make judgments without having all the information,” Pochettino said. “I sincerely hope Chile can find its way back, compete at the highest level again and fight to reach the World Cup, because they deserve to be among South America’s leading national teams.”
Attention has also turned towards Pellegrini, the veteran Chilean coach whose future at Betis has prompted speculation about a return home to lead La Roja. Pochettino did not claim to know whether such a move would happen, but spoke admiringly of a coach he has known since his teenage years.
The pair first crossed paths at a South American youth tournament, when Pochettino was 17 or 18 and Pellegrini was in charge of Chile’s under-20 side. Pochettino recalled facing that Chile team in the opening match, before a friendship developed over time.
“His career in Europe remains exceptional and deserves admiration,” Pochettino said. “If he were to choose one day to return and coach Chile, it would be a real honour for them to have a manager of his stature.”
The St. Louis meeting gives both sides an immediate test after contrasting weekend results. The Americans arrive with the momentum of their four-goal victory over Peru, while Chile will look for a response after their narrow defeat against Canada.
