It was on June 16, 1962, that the hosts beat Yugoslavia in the third-place playoff in Santiago. Chile have since been to four World Cups, played 13 matches and failed to win again.
The current generation of Chilean players come to South Africa determined to put that record straight, and their form in the qualifying campaign suggests they can do far more than simply win one match at these finals.
"The fact that Chile haven't won a match at a World Cup for a long time, for me personally, and I think for the team as a whole, is of secondary importance," Chile defender Gonzalo Jara said on Monday.
"Obviously, we know (about the record) but the first match is fundamental, above all to see how we are and to get the three points. Whether we win 3-0 or 1-0 it's the same.
"Getting the three points and playing like we want to play, that's the important thing," he added.
Coach Marcelo Bielsa is waiting on the fitness of his leading striker Humberto Suazo, who beat the likes of Brazil's Luis Fabiano and Uruguay's Diego Forlan to finish as South America's top scorer in the qualifiers with 10 goals.
Suazo's injury is the latest blow to a Honduras side appearing in only their second World Cup following their debut in 1982. On the eve of the finals, their leading striker Carlos Costly broke his foot, ruling him out altogether.
"The team is not at its best right now but they'll kick off the tournament with everything they've got," said coach Reinaldo Rueda.
After Wednesday's clash, Chile and Honduras face Spain and Switzerland in their other group matches.
