Bolivia Soccer Team Shifts Qualifiers to El Alto

Bolivia's national soccer team is set to host World Cup qualifiers at the El Alto Municipal Stadium, which sits at an elevation of 4,150 meters, the highest altitude yet for their games, having previously played in La Paz at 3,640 meters. This change, approved by CONMEBOL, aims to leverage the altitude to boost their standing in South American qualifiers, especially against Venezuela, who is currently performing better in the league. New head coach Oscar Villegas, who is debuting after the previous coach's dismissal, plans to utilize a squad familiar with high-altitude conditions. Villegas emphasizes the importance of psychological preparedness and details in their strategy, despite skepticism surrounding high-altitude soccer. Bolivia has struggled historically, with a record of one win and five losses, but there is renewed hope with this strategic shift. The El Alto stadium, a relatively new facility, is being evaluated as a potential long-term venue for the national team.