Brazil, the five-time world champions, are set to face Ecuador in a crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 CONMEBOL qualifier on Saturday, September 7th, at the Couto Pereira Stadium in Paraná state, Brazil. This match comes at a crucial time for Brazil as they aim to recover from their disappointing quarterfinal exit in the Copa America 2024, where they were eliminated on penalties by Uruguay.
Head coach Dorival Junior, who took over the team at the beginning of the year, has made significant changes to the squad, leaving out eight players who were part of the Copa America team. The young and promising 17-year-old striker Estevao, who is set to join Chelsea next year from Palmeiras, has earned his first call-up to the national team. Veteran forward Neymar remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from an ACL injury suffered last year.
Brazil’s current standing in the CONMEBOL qualification table is a cause for concern. They are currently in sixth place with a record of just two wins, three losses, and one draw. A win against Ecuador is essential to improve their position and bolster their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
Ecuador, on the other hand, is currently fifth in the table (three wins, one loss, and two draws), despite facing a three-point deduction for using a falsified document for Byron Castillo in the previous World Cup qualification cycle.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 6:30 AM IST on September 7th at the Couto Pereira Stadium in Paraná state, Brazil. Unfortunately, the match will not be televised in India, but fans can follow the live blog on Sportstar for updates.
Starting Lineups:
Brazil:
Alisson, Danilo, Militao, Gabriel, Arana, Andre, Guimaraes, Paqueta, Rodrygo, Vinicius, Endrick
Ecuador:
Galindez, Preciado, Hincapie, Pacho, Estupinan, Caicedo, Franco, Gruezo, Paez, Sarmiento, ValenciaThis match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two teams with contrasting fortunes. Brazil, eager to reclaim their position as a dominant force in world football, will be looking to secure a convincing victory against a determined Ecuador side.
