Sophia
The football world turns its attention to Rio de Janeiro this Thursday night as Brazil prepares to host Chile in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier. While Brazil has already punched its ticket to next summer’s tournament, securing their spot with a dominant 1-0 victory over Paraguay in June, the stakes couldn’t be higher for a struggling Chile side, currently languishing at the bottom of the standings with just 10 points from 16 matches.
This encounter carries significant weight for La Roja, who desperately need a turnaround. Their last competitive win dates back to 2025, a stark contrast to a Brazilian squad under Carlo Ancelotti that remains undefeated. On paper, the odds are heavily stacked against Chile, who haven’t defeated the Seleção in a decade, with their last victory coming in 2015. However, as any football enthusiast knows, the Maracanã can be a stage for the unexpected, especially with several key Brazilian stars sidelined.
Match Details: Kick-Off Time and Venue
- Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Stadium: Maracanã
- Date: Thursday, September 4 / Friday, September 5
- Kick-off Time: 8:30 p.m. ET (Sept. 4) / 5:30 p.m. PT (Sept. 4) / 1:30 BST (Sept. 5)
Head-to-Head Dominance: Brazil’s Unbeaten Streak
Brazil holds a commanding record against Chile in their recent encounters, having won all of their last five matches. The most recent clash saw Brazil emerge victorious with a 2-1 scoreline in October 2024, further solidifying their historical dominance.
Recent Form (All Competitions)
Brazil:
- Brazil 1–0 Paraguay – 06/10/25
- Ecuador 0–0 Brazil – 06/05/25
- Argentina 4–1 Brazil – 03/26/25
- Brazil 2–1 Colombia – 03/21/25
- Brazil 1–1 Uruguay – 11/20/24
Chile:
- Bolivia 2–0 Chile – 06/10/25
- Chile 0–1 Argentina – 06/05/25
- Chile 0–0 Ecuador – 03/25/25
- Paraguay 1–0 Chile – 03/20/25
- Chile 6–1 Panama – 02/08/25
Where to Watch: Broadcast Information
Fans around the globe can catch this exciting qualifier:
- United States: UNIVERSO, Peacock, FuboTV
- Canada: FuboTV
- Mexico: Vix Premium Deportes 1, Amazon Prime Video
- United Kingdom: Premier Sports 2
Brazil Team News: A New Look Under Ancelotti
With their World Cup qualification secured, Carlo Ancelotti has opted to rest several key players, including his former Real Madrid stars Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Éder Militão. Matheus Cunha and Alex Sandro are also out due to injury, while the veteran Neymar was not called up, signaling a potential shift in the squad’s dynamics.
This presents a golden opportunity for new faces to shine. Chelsea duo Estêvão and João Pedro are expected to feature prominently, and Ancelotti might surprise with the inclusion of Douglas Santos on the left flank. This tactical decision allows Ancelotti to experiment with his squad depth and provide valuable international experience to emerging talents.
Brazil Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Alisson; Vanderson, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Santos; Guimarães, Casemiro; Estêvão, Raphinha, Martinelli; Pedro
Chile Team News: A Youthful Revolution
Interim boss Nicolás Córdova has made bold choices for Chile, notably omitting legendary veterans Alexis Sánchez, Arturo Vidal, and Charles Aránguiz. Brayan Cortés’s absence leaves Chile with three goalkeepers who collectively boast zero international caps, a clear indication of a youth-focused rebuild.
Francisco Sierralta will miss the match due to suspension, with Guillermo Maripán expected to partner Benjamín Kuscevic in defense. This new era for La Roja will see a wealth of young talent, such as 22-year-old Alexander Aravena, who is making a name for himself in Serie A, get a chance to prove their mettle on the international stage. This strategic shift underscores Chile’s long-term vision, even as they face immediate pressure to perform.
Chile Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):
Gillier; Hormazábal, Maripán, Kuscevic, Suazo; Osorio, Echeverría, Loyola; Tapia, Brereton Díaz, Aravena
Score Prediction: Brazil’s Depth to Prevail
While Chile will be desperate to break their winless streak, the odds remain firmly against them. Despite Brazil resting several superstars, their squad depth, brimming with Premier League talent, is more than capable of overcoming La Roja. With one of the world’s best goalkeepers between the posts for Ancelotti’s side, Chile will find it incredibly difficult to find the back of the net in Rio de Janeiro.
Prediction: Brazil 2–0 Chile
Published 30 Minutes Ago by Amanda Langell
Amanda Langell is a Sports Illustrated FC freelance writer covering the European game and international competitions.
