Brazil will be desperate to get the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers campaign back on track when they take on Chile at Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos this week.
The international break is back, and so is the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers. Two teams that have underperformed thus far in their qualifying campaigns will meet at Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos as Chile and Brazil lock horns with three points of utmost importance.
Chile had once been one of the automatic picks from South America to qualify for a World Cup. However, with many of the previous mainstays retiring and others on their last legs, the levels have plummeted. But La Roja being second from bottom in the standings is still shocking, considering the recent history in continental and world competitions.
Nevertheless, Ricardo Gareca’s men have managed only five points from eight games, with automatic qualification highly unlikely. As for Brazil, they have lagged in the qualifying campaign thus far, and the shock 1-0 defeat to Paraguay last month left the Selecao eight points behind the table-topping Argentina in fifth. So, Dorival Junior’s men must embark on a winning run to ensure they do not miss out on qualification for the World Cup.
The most recent clash between Chile and Brazil happened in March 2022, with the Selecao cruising to a 4-0 win. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at the encounter ahead of the latest meeting between the two sides.
Team News & Tactics
Chile
Ricardo Gareca has made multiple changes to the squad he picked in the September international break. In addition, Chile’s head coach has lost two players to injuries ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Gabriel Suazo and Marcelino Nunez have pulled out from the squad ahead of the game between Chile and Brazil. Meanwhile, Gareca has omitted Gabriel Arias, Mauricio Isla, Claudio Baeza, and Ben Brereton Diaz, while Alexis Sanchez remains on the sidelines.
Brayan Cortes will take his spot between the sticks, with Chile lining up in a 4-4-2 formation in front of him against Brazil. The backline should feature Fabian Hormazabal, Guillermo Maripan, Paulo Diaz, and Thomas Galdames.
As for the midfield unit, Erick Pulgar and Rodrigo Echeverria should pair up in the middle of the park, looking to keep things tight in the central areas. Dario Osorio and Diego Valdes will line up on the flanks, looking to provide directness to the offensive moves. Finally, Eduardo Vargas and Victor Davila will be the two strikers for the home side.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Cortes; Hormazabal, Maripan, Paulo Diaz, Galdames; Osorio, Echeverria, Pulgar, Valdes; Vargas, Davila
Brazil
Like his counterpart in the Chilean dugout, Dorival Junior made a few changes to the squad he picked in the September international break. In addition, Brazil’s head coach has lost some players to injuries.
Alisson Becker has pulled out due to a hamstring injury, while Eder Militao, Guilherme Arana, Gleison Bremer, and Vinicius Junior have withdrawn from the squad. In addition, Wendell, William, Joao Gomes, Estevao Willian, and Joao Pedro have dropped out of the most recent group.
Alisson’s absence means Ederson Moraes is an automatic pick between the sticks, and Brazil will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation against Chile. The backline should feature Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Abner.
As for the midfield unit, Andre Trindade and Lucas Paqueta will pair up in the double pivot, looking to shore up things in the middle of the park and initiating swift transitions. Raphinha will reprise the no. 10 role, with Savinho and Rodrygo being the two wide attackers. Finally, Igor Thiago will lead the line for the away side.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Ederson, Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Abner; Andre, Lucas Paqueta; Savinho, Raphinha, Rodrygo; Igor Jesus
Key Stats
- Brazil and Chile have previously locked horns on 75 occasions, with the Selecao leading the head-to-head record with 54 wins (D13 L8).
- The five-time World Cup winners are on a four-game winning run against Chile, keeping a clean sheet in every meeting.
- Chile have won only one of their last five home games. In addition, they have failed to win their five most recent outings.
- Rodrygo has been Brazil’s most reliable attacker in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, scoring three of their nine goals.
Player to Watch
Raphinha
While Rodrygo has been Brazil’s most dependable attacker in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, the most in-form player in Dorival Junior’s squad is Raphinha. The Barcelona attacker has hit the ground running this season after the summer transfer window produced widespread speculation surrounding him.
The 27-year-old has become arguably the most critical member of Hansi Flick’s squad at FC Barcelona. The time is perfect for Raphinha to assume that role for his national side, and playing through the central areas might bring the best out of him against Chile.
Prediction
Chile 0-2 Brazil
Things will soon go from bad to worse for Chile, even though form has deserted Brazil thus far this term. With the Selecao struggling to stamp their authority, the hosts might sense an opportunity to pounce. However, apart from a few few moments to worry about, Brazil should be comfortable against Chile, and The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-0 win for Dorival Junior and his charges.