Chilean midfielder Loyola laments World Cup absence, eyes future success

Felipe Loyola, a versatile midfielder for Chile's national soccer team, La Roja, shared the squad's profound regret over missing the 2026 World Cup. "It hurts us a lot that the World Cup is being played and we can't be there," Loyola stated in a pre-match interview with TNT Sports. He reflected on the team's failure to qualify, acknowledging that "things happened, everyone knows, we couldn't achieve it." Loyola firmly believes Chile was not outmatched by the teams that did secure a spot in the tournament. "We were no less than the teams that are in it, and we have to learn from these situations," he added.

Looking ahead, Loyola expressed optimism for the future, stating, "I trust the new group that is coming, and I am sure that in the next World Cup we will be there." He emphasized the team's commitment to representing the country well in all upcoming competitions, including the Copa América and the start of new World Cup qualifiers. "We are taking steps forward individually, and we have to bring that contribution to the national team from each of us," he explained.

Regarding an upcoming friendly match against Portugal, Loyola highlighted the valuable opportunity it presents. "The expectation is beautiful for playing these types of games. One doesn't constantly have the chance to face this type of opponent, and we have to take advantage, learn, and compete," he said. Loyola stressed the importance of adopting a confident mindset against strong opposition. "The mentality we have to acquire as a group is to stand on equal footing, not to look up to them. They are strong players, they are at the top level, but the limits are in the head. If we look at them as equals, it's 11 against 11. It helps us learn and see what the international level will be like at the World Cup," he concluded. The match against Portugal is scheduled to take place at the National Stadium in Oeiras.