Universidad de Chile opens its 2026 season on Sunday, January 18, with an international friendly against Argentina’s Racing Club at Estadio Ester Roa in Concepción. The 19:00 kickoff marks manager Francisco “Paqui” Menegrini’s first match, and the game will be streamed live on Disney+ Premium for fans worldwide, providing a front‑row seat to the start of a new era at the club.
Setting and Stakes
The friendly is more than a routine preseason test. After a turbulent 2025 campaign that ended with the resignation of long‑time coach Diego Cagna, Universidad de Chile appointed Menegrini, a tactician known for disciplined, high‑pressing systems. Facing Racing Club—one of Argentina’s “big five”—in the hostile atmosphere of Estadio Ester Roa will challenge his ideas and signal the direction of the new project.
First Injury Blow
Days before kickoff, central defender José García suffered a grade‑2 hamstring strain in training and was ruled out of the match. While the injury is not expected to be long‑term, his absence forces Menegrini to experiment with alternative centre‑back options, potentially accelerating the integration of younger defenders such as Diego Morales.
Squad Preview
Universidad de Chile
Although official line‑ups are pending, the “Azules” are expected to line up in a 4‑3‑3 formation emphasizing width and rapid transitions. The midfield trio will likely combine veteran anchor Diego Cifuentes with the newly signed Argentine playmaker Lucas Maldonado. Up front, striker Sebastián Figueroa is set to lead the attack, supported by wingers Rodrigo López and Nicolás Ramírez.
Racing Club
Racing is projected to use a 4‑2‑3‑1 shape, featuring a double pivot of Lucas Oliva and youth prospect Federico Torres. Veteran striker Lucas Pratto will spearhead the offense, flanked by creative outlets Gonzalo Martínez and Lautaro Bustos. The Argentine side will also test a hybrid defensive line mixing experienced professionals with academy graduates.
Broadcast Details and Fan Access
The match will be streamed live on Disney+ Premium, marking a significant step in the digitalisation of Chilean football broadcasting. The platform offers high‑definition coverage, multiple camera angles, and in‑match analytics. Supporters unable to travel to Concepción can enjoy the game via subscription, reflecting the broader shift toward over‑the‑top (OTT) sports delivery.
Implications for the New Cycle
Menegrini’s debut carries symbolic weight. A solid performance—especially a disciplined defensive display against a traditionally attacking Argentine side—would boost confidence ahead of the domestic league’s opening round in February. Conversely, noticeable weaknesses could trigger early adjustments in training, player selection, or transfer activity. The García injury highlights the need for squad depth during a demanding preseason schedule.
Looking Ahead
As the clock counts down to kickoff, anticipation builds among players and the thousands of supporters tuning in via Disney+ Premium. The fixture serves as a crossroads: a chance for Universidad de Chile to prove that the “new blue cycle” is more than rhetoric, and an opportunity for Racing to gauge their readiness for the upcoming Argentine Primera División and continental competitions. Regardless of the final score, the match will set the tone for the months ahead, offering early insights into tactics, fitness, and the evolving narrative of South American club football in 2026.
