Brazil Face Pressure in World Cup Qualifiers Amidst Injuries

Brazil is confronting a challenging phase as they prepare for crucial World Cup qualifying matches against Chile and Peru, with the absence of key players due to injuries. The nation’s football team, historically a dominant force with five World Cup titles, finds itself in an unusual predicament after losing four of their last five qualifiers, placing fifth in the standings. They are ahead of Venezuela by goal difference, in sixth place. Only the top six teams are assured a spot in the 2026 World Cup finals.

With Paraguay and Bolivia trailing by just a point, Brazil risks missing out on World Cup qualification for the first time in history if they falter again. Dorival Jr., who took over as manager in January after the team was led by interim coaches following unsuccessful efforts by the Brazilian FA to recruit Carlo Ancelotti from Real Madrid, has managed just two competitive victories.

The Brazilian squad displayed inconsistency during their recent Copa America stint, getting eliminated in the quarterfinals by Uruguay. A narrow win over Ecuador in September was followed by a disheartening 1-0 defeat to Paraguay, which had scored only once in seven previous qualifiers. Since coach Tite’s departure after Brazil’s World Cup quarterfinal penalty shoot-out loss to Croatia, the team has won merely four out of their last fourteen games.

In preparation for the upcoming matches, Dorival Jr. had to modify his initial squad due to injuries sustained by goalkeeper Alisson, defenders Bremer, Eder Militao, and Guilherme Arana, as well as forward Vinicius Jr. Botafogo‘s forward Igor Jesus was unexpectedly named as a starter for the game against Chile, marking his first national team call-up, with Real Madrid’s young talent Endrick remaining on the bench.

“What I see is that Igor’s moment is very interesting,” said Dorival Jr. “Endrick is still getting to know his new club, meeting the immense competition at the world’s biggest football institution.” Jesus, 23, has emerged as a standout player for Botafogo, scoring seven goals in 19 matches since joining from Shabab Al-Ahli of the United Arab Emirates.

The anticipation around Igor Jesus’s debut was palpable, with Dorival Jr. asserting, “I think Igor’s own experience and the moment he’s living is a little different. Perhaps it’s favorable to have players with this type of profile in such an important match.”

Brazil managed to secure a 2-1 win over Chile in the World Cup qualifiers, moving up to fourth place in the standings. Despite the victory, the match exhibited Brazil’s vulnerabilities, lacking the strength often synonymous with the team, as they played without their star player, Vinicius Junior, due to injury. The win was sealed by Luiz Henrique’s decisive goal in the 89th minute, but Brazil’s struggles with an attack-heavy strategy and midfield coordination were noticeable, leading to scrutiny of Dorival Jr.’s tactical decisions.