
<p>Bolivia has made the decision to relieve its Argentinean coach, Gustavo Costas. The South American side floundered after a challenging start to the World Cup qualifiers. </p>



<p>Having suffered four consecutive defeats, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/bolivia-national-team-tv-schedule">Bolivia</a> currently resides at the bottom of the South American qualifying table. Consequently, the Bolivian FA (FBF) parted ways with Costas. He only took over in La Paz 14 months ago.</p>



<p>Costas expressed his gratitude to the Bolivian people <a href="https://twitter.com/FBF_BO/status/1717005704450429010" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">on social media</a>. “Thank you for everything to the great Bolivian people, it was a beautiful experience, despite the results not happening. Success to all, I carry you in the depths of my heart.”</p>



<p>According to the <a href="https://www.latimes.com/espanol/deportes/articulo/2023-10-24/termina-la-era-de-costas-al-frente-de-la-verde-el-argentino-se-despide-de-bolivia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Times</a>, Antonio Carlos Zago from Brazil is the leading candidate to replace Costas. He guided Bolivar to the domestic league title in 2022.</p>



<h2>Bolivia struggling under Gustavo Costas in World Cup qualifying</h2>



<p>In September, Bolivia faced losses in their qualifiers against Brazil (5-1) and Argentina (3-0). To make matters worse, they even failed to secure any points from a doubleheader against Ecuador and Paraguay in October.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-qualifiers-tv-schedule/">World Cup qualification</a> in CONMEBOL, one of the world’s most challenging regions, is currently underway. It includes World Cup champions Argentina and a Brazil team that is virtually unbeatable at home.</p>



<p>South America offers one of the most grueling paths to the World Cup, with each team capable of turning their home stadium into a fortress. With the expansion of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/why-las-vegas-allegiant-stadium-is-perfect-for-world-cup-2026-20231018-WST-462753.html">World Cup planned for 2026</a>, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, six teams will directly qualify for the tournament.</p>



<p>On the other hand, the seventh team will participate in a playoff against a team from another federation. South America is the first confederation to commence its lengthy 18-matchday qualifying process.</p>



<p>Next month, Bolivia will host Peru before traveling to Uruguay. The last time the Green qualified for the World Cup was in 1994, which was the final edition featuring 24 teams.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20231025_WST_464710_Brazil-Bolivia-1200x675.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-464754" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/Brazil-Bolivia-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/Brazil-Bolivia-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/Brazil-Bolivia-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/Brazil-Bolivia.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Bolivia opened 2026 World Cup Qualifying with a 5-1 loss against Brazil.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>High altitude, higher expectations</h2>



<p>Bolivia’s international record has been less stellar when compared to other South American nations, but altitude plays a crucial role in their advantage. Bolivia has qualified for only three of the 22 World Cup Finals since 1930, and they have not won any games when they did reach the tournament.</p>



<p>They have also won only one of the 47 Copa America championships. At the club level, Bolivia, along with Venezuela, stands alone as the only two nations that have not had a team reach the Copa Libertadores Final.</p>



<p>However, they boast the Estadio Hernando Siles in La Paz, which is located 3,637 meters (11,932 feet) above sea level. This stadium is home to Bolivia’s national team and clubs like The Strongest and Bolivar. </p>



<p>The Bolivian players are well-acclimated to these conditions. Yet, opponents are not, and they struggle to perform at their normal peak levels when playing in Bolivia. This unique advantage was so significant that FIFA temporarily banned high-altitude stadiums for World Cup qualifiers in 2007.</p>



<p>The ban, however, did not last long due to backlash, but FIFA had initially determined that the altitude advantage was unfair. Bolivia’s famous victory over Argentina in 2009 serves as a perfect example of the adverse effects that high altitude can have on visiting teams.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em>.</p>


Bolivia's verdict on Gustavo Costas' future revealed

Bolivia are at the bottom of the World Cup Qualifiers, leading the Bolivia FA to make a decision regarding Gustavo Costas


<p>Lionel Messi was not named in the Argentina squad to face <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/bolivia-national-team-tv-schedule/">Bolivia</a> on Tuesday night, but he did feature as an assistant manager. The superstar previously scored a goal against Ecuador last week before picking up a knock late in the game. As a result of the minor injury, head coach Lionel Scaloni elected not to play Messi in Bolivia. However, the playmaker still made an impact from the bench.</p>



<p>Before the fixture, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/argentina-national-team-tv-schedule/">Argentina</a> officials <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12517013/Lionel-Messi-FIFA-loophole-Inter-Miami-Argentina-Bolivia.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">filled out paperwork</a> to allow Messi to be named as an assistant coach. This allowed the 36-year-old World Cup winner the ability to remain with the team on the night. Only players named in the squad and coaches can typically be on the sidelines for a team.</p>



<h2>Messi dives into assistant manager role for Argentina</h2>



<p>Despite Messi’s absence, Argentina won the match in difficult conditions. Argentina battled Bolivia in La Paz, the highest capital city in the world. For reference, the city sits roughly 11,975 feet above sea level. FIFA temporarily banned the Estadio Hernando Siles, Bolivia’s home stadium from hosting World Cup qualifiers in the past.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lionel. Andrés. Messi.<br><br>Argentina’s number 10 with a picture perfect free kick! 🎯 <br><br>🎥 <a href="https://twitter.com/TelemundoSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TelemundoSports</a> <a href="https://t.co/M4SGCulonI">pic.twitter.com/M4SGCulonI</a></p>— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1699963109866143919?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>The stadium has been the target of gripes for many years. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/brazil-national-team-tv-schedule/">Brazil</a> star Neymar previously called playing at Estadio Hernando Siles “<a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4953684/Bolivia-0-0-Brazil-Neymar-held-stalemate.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inhumane</a>.” Ahead of a 2018 World Cup qualifier, Brazil players also had to use oxygen masks to prepare for a match against Bolivia.</p>



<p>Prior to Tuesday’s game, Argentina duo Alexis Mac Allister and Cristian Romero needed oxygen from tanks. Nevertheless, the visitors endured the tough conditions and thumped the hosts 3-0. Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Tagliafico, and Nicolas Gonzalez all scored for La Albiceleste on the night.</p>



<h5>Miami officials happy to see Messi not feature in game</h5>



<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/inter-miami-tv-schedule/">Inter Miami</a> execs likely breathed a sigh of relief when they saw Messi remain on the bench. The superstar has quite predictably been incredible for his new club. Messi has already racked up 11 goals and five assists in 11 total matches with Miami. He also led the club to their first-ever trophy by hoisting the Leagues Cup title back in August.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Latin America News Agency</em></p>


Argentina appointed Messi assistant manager against Bolivia

Argentina superstar Lionel Messi worked as an assistant manager after missing a matchup with Bolivia Tuesday night due to a minor injury.

<p><em>La Verde</em> fans can catch every match that’s available in the US with our Bolivia National Football Team TV schedule.</p>



<p>Bolivia is not one of the traditional powers in South American football. They’ve played in just three World Cups – including the inaugural 1930 edition where they were invited and did not need to qualify. That tournament they finished 12th of 13 teams – which to date is their best finish. They’ve scored only one goal at a World Cup, in their last appearance in 1994.</p>



<p>At Copa América though, things are a little brighter for the Bolivians. They won the 1963 tournament, and placed second in 1997 (both times they hosted the competition).</p>



<p>Bolivia plays home games at Estadio Hernando Siles in La Paz. At 11,932 feet above sea level, it is one of the highest altitude stadiums on Earth. For a short time they needed a special exception from FIFA to use the venue, as any World Cup Qualifying matches played above 3,000 meters were banned from 2007-2008.</p>



<h2>Bolivia TV schedule and streaming links</h2>


<div class="stvs-grid" id="team-317299-all-America/New_York"></div><div class="wst-home-matches"></div>



<p><strong>First game:</strong> October 12, 1926 (Loss vs Chile in Santiago)<strong><br>Manager:</strong> Antonio Carlos Zago<strong><br>Best World Cup finish:</strong> 12th (1930)<strong><br>Best Copa América Finish:</strong> Champions (1963)</p>



<h3>Where can I watch the Bolivia match?</h3>



<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/copa-america-tv-schedule/">Copa América</a> and World Cup Qualifying are the biggest events for Bolivia.</p>



<p>Copa airs on on FOX networks (FOX, FS1, FS2, FOX Deportes) in English, and Univision/TUDN in Spanish. In 2024 the tournament returns to the US, featuring six guest CONCACAF teams.</p>



<p>CONMEBOL’s unique double-round robin league format for World Cup Qualifying has returned for the 2026 cycle. Bolivia’s World Cup qualifiers played at home are currently shown on FIFA+. </p>



<p>Depending on the opponent and location, friendly matches can appear almost anywhere. Check back to this page frequently to see the latest listings.</p>



<h4>Watch Bolovia on Fubo:</h4>


<p>
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<tr><td><center><a class="button" style="background-color:red" href="https://www.fubo.tv/stream/soccer/?irad=356358&amp;irmp=330866" target="blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><span style="color: white;"><strong>7-Day Free Trial</strong></span></a></center></td></tr>
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<h5>Don’t miss a Bolivia national football team match</h5>



<p>Courtesy of World Soccer Talk,&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/ultimate-soccer-tv-streaming-guide/">download a complimentary copy of The Ultimate Soccer TV And Streaming Guide</a>, which features details on where to watch all of the leagues from around the world on US TV and streaming.</p>



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<p>To find out when soccer games are on, download the free&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2020/12/26/soccer-tv-schedules-app-making-it-easier-to-watch-soccer-games-on-tv/">Soccer TV Schedules App</a>&nbsp;which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on&nbsp;<a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/soccer-tv-schedules/id1543713555" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple iOS devices</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.worldsoccertalk.SoccerTV" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Android devices</a>).</p>

Bolivia national team TV schedule: View Bolivia Games On TV

Fans of La Verde can check out Bolivia National Team TV schedule for all the latest games airing in the US.

Bolivia national team TV schedule: View Bolivia Games On TV - World Soccer Talk


<p>Brazil started their 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in stunning fashion as they crushed Bolivia 5-1 on Friday evening. Neymar scored a wonderful brace for the Selecao. In doing so, he surpassed the late Pele to become his country’s all-time leading goal scorer.</p>



<p>In their first game under interim head coach Fernando Diniz, the hosts got off to a perfect start. They won a penalty in the 15<sup>th</sup> minute. </p>



<p>However, Neymar’s feeble effort was saved by Bolivian goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra as the visitors survived.</p>



<p>Yet, in the 24<sup>th</sup> minute, Brazil got their opening goal. Real Madrid winger Rodrygo slotted in from close range. After Raphinha’s initial shot was saved by Viscarra, Bolivia failed to clear the ball. Rodrygo was the quickest to react and got his reward.</p>



<p>The Selecao started the second half with two quickfire goals from Raphinha and Rodrygo as they cruised to a 3-0 lead by the 51<sup>st</sup> minute.</p>



<p>It was always going to take a monumental effort for the visitors against the opposition on the day. Yet, despite a credible first half, the visitors crumbled under pressure after the restart.</p>



<h2>Neymar is an icon for Brazil</h2>



<p>The home crowd went into elation in the 61<sup>st</sup> minute when Neymar thumped home a loose ball in the box. </p>



<p>This was the 31-year-old’s 78<sup>th</sup> goal for his country, as he went past Pele to lead the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/neymar-surpasses-pele-as-brazils-top-scorer-but-theres-a-catch-20230909-WST-455075.html">goalscoring charts </a>for the iconic footballing nation. Bolivia did grab a solitary consolation in the 78<sup>th</sup> minute through Victor Abrego before Neymar completed the demolition with his second of the night deep into stoppage time.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">NEYMAR PASSES PELÉ TO BECOME BRAZIL’S ALL-TIME LEADING MEN’S SCORER 🇧🇷🔥 <a href="https://t.co/gUHAZyOTU3">pic.twitter.com/gUHAZyOTU3</a></p>— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1700334860101984363?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>The result encompassed a historic night for Neymar who <a href="https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/brazil-thrash-bolivia-5-1-neymars-historic-appearance-2023-09-09/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">later said</a>, <em>“I never imagined reaching this record. I want to say that I am not a better player than Pele. I always wanted to make my own story, write my name in the history of Brazilian football and the national team. And today I did that.”</em></p>



<p>Brazil take on Peru in their next encounter while Bolivia host reigning World Champions Argentina.</p>



<p>Photo credit: IMAGO / Xinhua</p>


Landmark Neymar brace helps Brazil thrash Bolivia

Neymar broke Pele's all-time scoring record with Brazil after brace in victory over Bolivia on Friday evening

Landmark Neymar brace helps Brazil thrash Bolivia - World Soccer Talk


<p>Argentina kicked off their qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup against Ecuador, as they look to defend their championship in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. However, the big question is whether Lionel Messi will play vs Bolivia in Argentina’s next game.</p>



<p>On Thursday, Lionel Messi scored another amazing goal for his nation only five games after winning the sport’s most prestigious trophy. After making the transition to Major League Soccer with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/inter-miami-tv-schedule/">Inter Miami</a>, the 36-year-old shows no signs of slowing down.</p>



<p>On Thursday night, Le Albiceleste was having trouble scoring against a resolute Ecuador team, but he came through with a classic free kick. The goalie was trapped in the center of his goal and unable to do anything about it. Messi scored the game-winning goal in the 78th minute and immediately ran to the sideline to celebrate.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">GOLAZO MESSI  🇦🇷<br><br>MESSI scores from the free kick to put <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Argentina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Argentina</a> 1-0 ahead  🎥 <a href="https://twitter.com/TelemundoSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TelemundoSports</a> <a href="https://t.co/xd8ZYypS7d">pic.twitter.com/xd8ZYypS7d</a></p>— World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) <a href="https://twitter.com/worldsoccertalk/status/1699962810703220741?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>What did Lionel Scaloni say about whether Messi will play vs Bolivia?</h2>



<p>Therefore, it was noted and cause for alarm all around the globe when he was taken off the field just 10 minutes later. Fans of the superstar and the Argentine national team were understandably concerned.</p>



<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/argentina-coach-claims-messi-could-play-in-2026-world-cup-20230111-WST-415144.html">Lionel Scaloni</a>, the team’s coach, said at a press conference that the decision to take the team’s star player and captain off wasn’t made for tactical reasons but rather because he was ‘feeling something.’ Just that one phrase set off a frenzy of conjecture regarding the severity of Messi’s injury and its potential repercussions for Inter Miami and the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/argentina-national-team-tv-schedule/">Argentine national team</a>.</p>



<h5>What did Tata Martino say?</h5>



<p>Bolivia hosts Argentina on Tuesday, a challenging voyage given the country’s high altitude. Messi is expected to return to South Florida after the international break, where he will join a number of teammates who will be away for the match against Sporting Kansas City.</p>



<p>“It does not seem like anything important. Some symptoms of fatigue, at least that’s the information we have. We will know more today”, Inter Miami boss Tata Martino revealed. He also expressed skepticism when asked whether he thought the superstar would cancel his trip to La Paz and instead rejoin the club.</p>



<p>“I wouldn’t venture to say as of now. It is early. Today could be an important day [regarding that decision], but I don’t imagine so if he has a chance to play against Bolivia”, he said, via <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/38353264/messi-return-bolivia-match-unlikely-miami-martino" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESPN</a>.</p>



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<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="MESSI MANIA at Inter MIAMI: Futbol Miami TV interview #mls" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OA64FsMbnk8?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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<p><em>Photo: IMAGO / NurPhoto</em></p>


Will Messi play vs Bolivia? Scaloni and Martino provide update

Lionel Messi made his comeback to international play against Ecuador, but will Messi play against Bolivia on Tuesday?