Preview: Chile vs Cape Verde Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | International Friendly 2026
Can the Red One get the better of World Cup debutants Cape Verde in Auckland?
Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand, gears up to host the international friendly fixture between Chile and Cape Verde, two countries from two different continents.
Chile had a disastrous campaign in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers after finishing at the bottom of the table. The two-time Copa America champions, however, have won every game since, beating teams like Peru and Russia in the last friendlies. This break, they will play two international friendlies against Cape Verde and New Zealand.
Cape Verde created history by becoming the second-smallest country in the world to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The African country is drawn alongside strong teams like the reigning Euro champions Spain, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. They will be keen to make the most of these international friendlies.
Kick-off:
- Location: Auckland, New Zealand
- Stadium: Eden Park Stadium
- Date: Friday, March 27
- Kick-off Time: 8:30 a.m. IST
- Referee: TBD
- VAR: In use
Players to Watch
Felipe Loyola (Chile)
The Chilean midfielder plies his trade with Italian club Pisa as a loanee. He was part of the Chile U23 team that went on to clinch the Silver medal in the Pan American Games 2023. He also won the Chilean Primera División in 2023.
Sidny Cabral (Cape Verde)
The Dutch-born right-wing back plays for Benfica in the Portuguese top tier. What makes him an extraordinary asset is his ability to switch positions. He scored his debut goal against Malaysia at the Kuala Lumpur Stadium recently and will be keen to clinch a clean sheet in the next game.
Match Facts
- This will be the first senior international meeting between these two sides.
- Chile finished at the bottom of the CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup Qualifiers table.
- Cape Verde have qualified for their first ever FIFA World Cup.
Betting Tips and Odds
- Match to end in a draw
- Felipe Loyola to score
- Chile 1-1 Cape Verde
Injury and Team News
There are no absentees for Chile in the next game.
Jamiro Monteiro will be the only absentee for Cape Verde in the next game.
Head-to-Head
This will be the first senior international meeting between these two sides.
Predicted Lineups
Chile predicted lineup (4-3-3)
Gillier (GK); Garguez, Maripan, Kuscevic, Suazo; Loyola, Pizarro, Altamarino; Milan, Tapia, Aravena
Cape Verde predicted lineup (4-3-3)
Varela (GK); Cabral, Borges, Moreira, Lopes; D Duarte, L Duarte, Arcanzo; Livramento, Costa, J Cabral
Match Prediction
We expect this game to end in a stalemate. Both teams are in sublime form. Though Chilean players have experience in playing across top European leagues, we expect this game to end in a draw.
Prediction: Chile 1-1 Cape Verde
Telecast Details
The match can be streamed live on FIFA+ app and website
When and where is this friendly match?
The venue is Eden Park Stadium, New Zealand. It will be played on Friday, 27 March, at 8:30 am IST
Where and how to watch this game globally?
FIFA+ can be used to watch all the games live.
Where and how to watch this friendly in Chile?
People can tune into Disney+ to watch the matches live.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.
In addition to writing articles on World and Indian Football, Saikat has also covered tournaments like the Durand Cup, Indian Super League, and Hockey India League. Notably, his exceptional communication skills have seen him interview legendary icons like Olympic 2024 gold medalist Yibbi Jansen, former Real Madrid player Javi Hernandez, and many more such sporting stalwarts.