Chile's best performance in a World Cup was back in 1962 when they were hosting the tournament. They ended up finishing third losing to Brazil in the semi finals. Chile have qualified for seven World Cup's but have never won a major competition finishing runners up four times in the Copa America.

When Chile qualified for the 1974 World Cup they had to play the USSR in a play-off match which saw the first leg drawn. USSR then refused to play the second leg as the stadium had been used as a concentration camp but FIFA refused to move the location and Chile still had to start the match.