History of Bolivia national football team in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 1, 2026

The Bolivia national football team, known as La Verde, has been Bolivia's representative in international men's football since 1926. It is governed by the Federación Boliviana de Fútbol and is a member of CONMEBOL, FIFA's South American confederation. While historically not a dominant force, Bolivia qualified for the FIFA World Cup in 1930, 1950 and 1994. The team's home stadium, Estadio Hernando Siles in La Paz, is located at high altitude, presenting a challenge for visiting teams. Bolivia won the Copa América in 1963 when it hosted the tournament.

October 1926: Bolivia's Debut in International Football

On October 12, 1926, Bolivia made its debut in international football at the South American Championship in Chile. In their first match, Bolivia lost to Chile 7–1 despite scoring the first goal. They also lost their subsequent matches against Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

1926: Bolivia national football team founded

In 1926, the Bolivia national football team was established and began representing Bolivia in international men's football. The team is organized by the Federación Boliviana de Fútbol, which also joined FIFA that same year.

1930: Participation in the 1930 World Cup

In 1930, Bolivia participated in the inaugural FIFA World Cup held in Uruguay. The team was drawn into Group 2 and lost both of its matches against Yugoslavia and Brazil.

1930: Painted Jerseys for "Viva Uruguay"

In the 1930 FIFA World Cup, before the match with Yugoslavia, Bolivia painted one of the letters in "Viva Uruguay" in each of the eleven starters' jerseys to please the local crowd.

1945: Jerseys reading "Viva Chile"

In 1945, Bolivia painted a message to the hosts in the South American Championship, with the players' jerseys reading "Viva Chile".

1946: Changed jersey colors to black and white stripes

In 1946, Bolivia changed their jersey colors to black and white stripes, like the colors of the Cochabamba region.

1950: Participation in the 1950 World Cup

Bolivia returned for the 1950 World Cup after Argentina's withdrawal from the qualifiers. They suffered an 8–0 defeat to Uruguay in their only game of the tournament.

1957: Green Became the Primary Color

In 1957, the FBF decided to use the colors of the Flag of Bolivia. Given that red and yellow were used by many of the other South American national teams, green became the primary color, leading to the nickname "La Verde".

1963: Bolivia Wins the 1963 South American Championship

In 1963, Bolivia hosted and won the South American Championship, finishing first out of seven countries with five wins and one draw. The only draw was a 4–4 result against Ecuador in the opening match.

1963: Won Copa América at home in 1963

In 1963, Bolivia won the Copa América, which they hosted. This is Bolivia's only Copa América title.

1967: Bolivia Finished Last in the 1967 South American Championship

In 1967, as defending champions, Bolivia finished last out of six teams in the South American Championship held in Uruguay, with one draw and four losses.

1972: Match against Yugoslavia in 1972

In 1972, Bolivia played against Yugoslavia, marking their first match against non-South American opposition since the 1930 World Cup.

1978: Creation of Academia Tahuichi Aguilera

In 1978, the Academia Tahuichi Aguilera, a football school, was created in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. This school developed players such as Marco Etcheverry, Erwin Sánchez, and Luis Cristaldo, contributing to the resurgence of Bolivian football.

1994: Qualified for the 1994 World Cup

In 1994, Bolivia qualified for the 1994 World Cup. They became the first team to beat Brazil in the qualifiers in La Paz, winning 2–0, and finished second in Group B.

1995: Participated in the 1995 Copa América

In 1995, Bolivia participated in the Copa América held in Uruguay and reached the quarter-finals for the first time since winning the competition in 1963. They lost to Uruguay 2–1 in the quarter-finals.

June 1997: Defeated Mexico in the semi-finals

On 28 June 1997, Bolivia defeated Mexico 1–0 in the semi-finals of the Copa America.

1997: Runner-up at the 1997 Copa América

In 1997, Bolivia hosted the Copa América and reached the final, finishing as runner-up to Brazil after losing 3–1.

1997: Advanced to Quarter-Finals in the 2015 Copa América

In 2015, Bolivia advanced to the quarter-finals of the Copa América in Chile for the first time since the 1997 tournament. They were defeated by Peru 1–3 in the quarter-finals.

1999: FIFA Confederations Cup Appearance in 1999

In 1999, Bolivia made their first and only FIFA Confederations Cup appearance. They were placed in Group A with Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. They finished third in the group with two draws and a loss, being eliminated in the first stage.

May 2007: FIFA Declares Altitude Ban

On May 27, 2007, FIFA declared that no World Cup Qualifying matches could be played in stadiums above 8,200 feet (2,500 m) above sea level, affecting Bolivia's home matches.

May 2008: FIFA Removes Altitude Limit

In May 2008, FIFA removed the altitude limit entirely, reversing the ban from the previous year and allowing Bolivia to continue holding World Cup qualifying matches at Estadio Hernando Siles.

2015: Advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2015 Copa América

In 2015, Bolivia advanced to the quarter-finals of the Copa América in Chile for the first time since 1997 after defeating Ecuador 3–2, ending a winless streak in the Copa América.

2021: Fernando Costa Sarmiento Becomes President of Bolivian Football Federation

In 2021, Fernando Costa Sarmiento became the new President of the Bolivian Football Federation. He lamented the deteriorating condition of football in Bolivia and vowed to rebuild the country's football system.

March 2023: Bolivia registers first away win against World Cup team

On 28 March 2023, Bolivia secured its first-ever away win against a World Cup team in the 21st century, defeating Saudi Arabia 2–1 in a friendly match held in Jeddah.

2024: BFF decides to play home games at Estadio Municipal de El Alto

In 2024, the Bolivian Football Federation decided that from then on the home games would be played in the Estadio Municipal de El Alto, that has an altitude of 4,150 metres (13,620 ft) above sea level.

March 2026: Caps and goals updated

As of 26 March 2026, caps and goals for the Bolivia national football team were updated after the match against Suriname.

2026: Call-up for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification inter-confederation play-offs

Bolivia called up players for the friendly match against Trinidad and Tobago and the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification inter-confederation play-offs against Suriname and Iraq on 15, 26 and 30 March.