Brazil Faces Crucial Test Against Chile in World Cup Qualifier

Brazil will travel to Santiago on Thursday night to confront Chile in a crucial CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup qualifier, with the match presenting significant stakes for both nations. As pressure mounts on Brazil’s manager, Dorival Junior, who has been at the helm for less than a year, the Seleção finds themselves at risk of not qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in their history.

Historically dominant in South American football, Brazil has appeared at every World Cup tournament since its inception in 1930. However, their current position, seventh in the CONMEBOL standings with 10 points from eight matches, positions them precariously close to elimination. Despite the expansion of the 2026 tournament to 48 teams and additional automatic spots for CONMEBOL, Brazil’s performance has been underwhelming.

In recent matches, Brazil has struggled, evidenced by a loss to Paraguay on matchday eight and unsuccessful encounters with the top three teams in the standings, securing only two victories in their last nine competitive outings. Additionally, Brazil’s stint in the recent Copa America ended in the quarter-finals.

As Brazil prepares to face the Chilean team, they enter the game with historical confidence; they have lost only one of their last 19 encounters against La Roja. Chile, currently in crisis, sits in ninth place in the standings with just five points achieved. Under the guidance of Ricardo Gareca, Chile has seen little progress, particularly noticeable with their recent 3-0 defeat to Argentina.

To address Chile’s bleak qualifying campaign, Gareca has made considerable changes to the squad, dropping veterans such as Mauricio Isla and Gabriel Arias, while also omitting Ben Brereton Diaz due to poor form. Star player Alexis Sanchez will miss the game due to injury, alongside Matias Catalan and Vicente Pizarro.

Brazil faces its own challenges. Key players, including goalkeeper Alisson, are out due to a hamstring injury suffered during a match with Liverpool. Ederson is set to replace him, earning his 26th cap. Furthermore, Vinicius Junior is absent with a neck injury, impacting Brazil’s attacking front. Current forward options include Raphinha, Rodrygo, and Endrick. Brazil’s defense is also weakened by injuries to Bremer, Eder Militao, and Guilherme Arana, with Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes anticipated to take on his 10th role for the national team.