Football in Chile 2024-2025
Tickets are sold out long beforehand for the matches of the famed Chilean "big three"
Best time: February–December
Latin American football is popular throughout the world and has fans everywhere on Earth. Chilean footballers are serious competitors for other leading countries like England, Spain, or Italy. The football season in Chile runs from February through December and features three leagues including Premier League known as Campeonato, also Primera B, and Second Division, or Segunda Division in Spanish. Premier League features 18 teams, and six of them are from the capital city of Santiago. Three of them are renowned as "the big three" owing to their high popularity which draws immense crowds of fans. This fantastic three includes Colo-Colo, La "U" representing Universidad de Chile, and La Catolica again from the Universidad Catolica. Similar to Europe, Latin America has their own "Champions League"—it is called la Copa Libertadores.
Practical info
When is the best time to witness football matches in Chile?
The football season in Chile lasts from February to December, and tourists can enjoy the matches anytime within this time frame. Tourists usually visit Chile to witness the games between September to November and take home the beauty of the picturesque landscapes of the country along with the excitement of thrilling football matches. However, ticket prices may increase considerably during peak season.
How can I purchase tickets to watch matches of 'the big three' in Chile?
Booking tickets for matches featuring 'the big three' teams in Chile can be a daunting task as the tickets get sold out months before the matches. To book tickets, tourists can visit several online ticketing services like Viagogo, StubHub, and TripAdvisor. Alternately, tickets can also be booked directly through the football clubs' official website. However, third-party websites may offer additional booking services, such as seat selection and refundability.
Which three football teams are called 'the big three' in Chile?
The 'big three' football teams in Chile are La Universitad de Chile, Colo-Colo, and Universidad Catolica, all based in the Santiago region. These teams are widely popular and have massive fan followings in Chile. The rivalry between these three teams is quite intense, making every match between them an electrifying event, with tickets often getting sold out well ahead of time.
What is the timeline of the football season in Chile?
The football season in Chile commences in February and lasts until December. The season comprises three leagues - the Premier League, Campeonato, Primera B, and Segunda Division. Six of the 18 teams playing in the Premier League are located in Santiago. Chile's varied climate allows tourists and locals to watch football matches across the country throughout the year.
Apart from the Premier League, which other leagues exist for football in Chile?
In addition to the Premier League, professional football leagues in Chile include Primera B and Segunda Division. The Primera B league is a stepping stone towards the Premier League, comprising 18 teams. The Segunda Division, on the other hand, consists of three divisions, each centered on a particular geographic region of the country and serves as a secondary league for football in Chile.
