Brazil continue their journey in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers as they host Ecuador at Estadio Major Antonio Couto Pereira on Friday. The Selecao currently find themselves in sixth place with seven points, while Ecuador sit just ahead in fifth, holding an extra point.
Brazil have been in such a prolonged slump that it's hard to recall when or how it all began. One thing is certain though—it has to end now if they want to avoid the risk of missing out on the 2026 World Cup, as they currently sit precariously in sixth place.
The five-time World Cup champions might usually see qualification as routine, but they've got some work ahead of them after a mixed start—two wins, one draw, and three losses from their first six matches. They kicked off their campaign with two victories and a draw against Venezuela, only to hit a rough patch with three consecutive losses to Uruguay, Colombia, and Argentina.
Ecuador's form is anything but shaky. Like Brazil, Ecuador also experienced penalty-shootout disappointment in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Copa America. The difference lies in the statistics. Not only that they are above Brazil in the South American World Cup qualifiers, but Ecuador also exited the Copa America on penalties against the world champions and secured a 1-0 win over Chile in their latest qualifier—the same scoreline Argentina managed against Chile in the Copa America.
While Brazil flirts with the edge of disaster in South America, Ecuador is doing the opposite, edging closer to the top.
Let's be honest, Brazil's form is almost disastrous by their own high standards.
Brazil started their World Cup qualifying campaign strong with two wins and a draw, but things quickly went downhill with three consecutive losses. Defeats to Uruguay and Colombia were followed by a shocking 1-0 home loss to Argentina, marking Brazil's first-ever home defeat in World Cup qualifying history.
This led to a managerial change, with Dorival Junior stepping in. However, under his leadership, Brazil continued to struggle in the Copa America, barely making it through the group stage before being eliminated by Uruguay in the quarter-finals on penalties.
Now comes the moment of truth—this is a crucial match for Brazil, where a win is a must if they want to stay in the fight for a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
Brazil's rising star has been making headlines ever since his transfer to Madrid. Endrick delivered on all expectations by scoring in his debut against Real Valladolid, becoming one of the youngest players to score for Real Madrid. Now, he'll aim to bring that momentum and determination to the national team, helping them return to winning form.
BRAZIL predicted lineup vs ECUADOR: Alisson (GK); Danilo, Militao, Gabriel, Arana; Andre, Guimaraes, Paqueta; Rodrygo, Vinicius, Endrick.
For Ecuador, playing in Brazil while currently ahead of them in the standings means the match isn't as crucial. They have less at stake, which could actually work to their advantage.
They've lost only once in 90 minutes over their last six matches, securing three wins. Ecuador kicked off their qualifying campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Argentina but quickly bounced back, earning 11 points from their next five games.
At the same time, their draw against the world champions in Copa America and the narrow penalty shootout loss should give them a boost of confidence as they head into their match against the out-of-form Brazil.
At 27, Torres is a key player for Ecuador and has been instrumental in their World Cup qualifying campaign. Renowned for his prowess in aerial duels and goal-scoring, he leads Ecuador as their top scorer in the qualifiers with two goals. Standing 6'2", the defender is a formidable challenge for any opponent.
ECUADOR predicted lineup vs BRAZIL: Galindez (GK); Preciado, Hincapie, Pacho, Estupinan; Caicedo, Franco, Gruezo; Paez, Sarmiento, Valencia
Brazil hold an 11-2 advantage over Ecuador in their 17 previous encounters, with four draws. However, their last two meetings both ended in 1-1 draws. That said, Brazil have won two of their last three home matches in World Cup qualifiers.
In their last 10 competitive games, Brazil have managed 3 wins, 4 losses, and 3 draws, while Ecuador have secured 4 victories, 3 defeats, and 3 draws in their last 10.
At the same time, the current form contrasts sharply with the long-term statistics—this is where it counts. It makes the match difficult to call.
Given recent form, the numbers suggest both teams are likely to score, but neither might walk away with the win—unless Brazil can finally capitalize on their world-class players and turn their form around.
At the end of the day, regardless of form, every team in South America is drawn to the challenge of trying to beat Brazil.
A force that could be decisive for Ecuador.
