Bolivia · History

The Bolivian national soccer team, known as "La Verde", has a rich history full of ups and downs and memorable moments in international soccer. The following is a detailed biography of the Bolivian national team, structured by decades and highlighting its most important achievements in the World Cup and Copa América, as well as the key figures that have marked its history.

Early Years and Development (1920-1950)

The Bolivian national team's first official match was played on October 12, 1926 against Chile in Santiago during the 1926 South American Championship, resulting in a 7-1 defeat. The Bolivian Football Federation (FBF) was founded in 1925 and affiliated to FIFA in 1926, thus establishing the basis for the development of soccer in the country.

1930s: First participations in World Cups

1930 World Cup

Bolivia participated in the first World Cup in 1930, held in Uruguay. It was part of Group 2 along with Yugoslavia and Brazil. Although Bolivia lost both matches (4-0 against Yugoslavia and 4-0 against Brazil), its participation marked the beginning of its World Cup career.

1950 World Cup

Bolivia's second appearance in a World Cup was in 1950, in Brazil. In this tournament, Bolivia suffered one of its biggest defeats, losing 8-0 against Uruguay, who would later be crowned champions. This was Bolivia's only participation in World Cups until the 1990s.

1960s: First Continental Title

America's Cup 1963

The greatest achievement of the Bolivian national team came in 1963, when it won the South American Championship (today Copa América) held in Bolivia. Under the direction of Danilo Alvim, Bolivia was crowned champion after defeating Brazil 5-4 in the decisive match. Figures such as Víctor Agustín Ugarte, who scored two goals in the final, and Máximo Alcócer, were key in this historic triumph.

1970s and 1980s: Transition Years

During these decades, Bolivia failed to qualify for the World Cup and had modest performances in the Copa América. However, talented players continued to develop and the national soccer structure was strengthened.

1990s: World Cup qualification

1994 World Cup

Bolivia managed to qualify for the 1994 World Cup in the United States, under the direction of Xabier Azkargorta. This was Bolivia's third participation in a World Cup and its first in more than four decades. In the tournament, Bolivia was in Group C along with Germany, Spain and South Korea. Although they did not advance to the second round, the 0-0 draw against South Korea and the participation of stars such as Marco Etcheverry and Erwin Sánchez were outstanding.

1997 America's Cup

In the 1997 Copa América, Bolivia was once again the host country and had an outstanding performance, reaching the final. Under the direction of Antonio López Habas, Bolivia defeated teams like Uruguay and Colombia on their way to the final. In the decisive match, Bolivia was defeated 3-1 by Brazil, but their performance earned them qualification to the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup.

XXI Century: Recent Participations

Copa América and Qualifiers

In the 21st century, Bolivia has had irregular participations in international competitions. In the Copa América, Bolivia has shown flashes of good soccer, but has failed to repeat the success of 1963 or 1997. World Cup qualifiers have also been challenging, with Bolivia struggling to qualify in a competitive South American region.

Legendary Players

Victor Agustin Ugarte

Ugarte is considered one of the best Bolivian footballers of all time. His outstanding performance in the 1963 Copa América, where he scored two goals in the final, consecrated him as a Bolivian soccer legend.

Marco Etcheverry

Known as "El Diablo" (The Devil), Etcheverry was a key figure in the 1994 World Cup qualification and the 1997 Copa América. His creativity and technical ability made him stand out in South American soccer and MLS.

Joaquin Botero

Botero is the Bolivian national team's all-time leading scorer with 20 goals. His performance in the qualifiers and his goal-scoring ability have left a significant mark on Bolivian soccer.

Erwin Sánchez

Nicknamed "Platini", Sánchez was a talented midfielder who played a crucial role in the 1997 Copa América and the 1994 World Cup. His vision and leadership were fundamental to Bolivia's success in those tournaments.

Outstanding Coaches

Xabier Azkargorta

The Spanish coach was instrumental in Bolivia's qualification for the 1994 World Cup. His ability to motivate and organize the team was key to this historic achievement.

Antonio López Habas

Habas coached Bolivia in the 1997 Copa América, taking them to the final and consolidating one of the team's best performances in the history of the tournament.