Brazil squeeze past Ecuador to calm 2026 non-qualification fears

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September 9 – Brazil put their World Cup qualifying campaign back on track with a laboured 1-0 victory against Ecuador in Coritiba.

On the back of three successive defeats in the qualifiers, the Brazilians entered the match under pressure, but a single first-half goal from Real Madrid star Rodrygo was enough to claim the three points and move into fourth in the standings with ten points.

With the victory, Brazil have, for now, assuaged fears that they might miss out on the World Cup in 2026.

Earlier this summer, Brazil exited the Copa America in the quarterfinals against Uruguay and their performance against Ecuador did not improve much. In the second half, Vinicius Junior had the only shot on target as Brazil were booed off the field at the final whistle.

Brazil manager Dorival Junior however was satisfied with the three points.

“People have to be aware of the situation we are in, of the team’s structure. In the first half, we were looking for a result. We made changes in the second half to maintain what we had built. We didn’t make changes to protect the result, we wanted more, but the opposing team was competent. At no point did we have any difficulties in the match and we were not attacked. They had possession of the ball, but they didn’t create any chances. I think it’s all a matter of time,” he said.

The five-time world champions have participated in every single World Cup. They were present at the inaugural tournament in neighbouring Uruguay in 1930 and at the last World Cup in Qatar – the 22nd edition of the global finals – the Brazilians crashed out in the quarterfinals following a penalty shootout against Croatia.

“We are currently rebuilding a team. Today, it was important that we won, no matter how we did,” said Dorival Junior.

Brazil and return to action on Tuesday with an away trip to Paraguay.

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