A Cautious Start for the Selecao
The 65-year-old Italian, who transitioned to the Brazilian bench after a successful stint with Real Madrid, has been tasked with guiding the Selecao through the remaining stages of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Ancelotti's appointment follows the departure of Dorival Junior, who was dismissed after a resounding 4-1 defeat to fierce rivals and reigning champions Argentina at the end of March.
Thursday's draw leaves Brazil in fourth place in the qualifying table with 22 points. Ecuador, who have emerged as a surprise contender in this campaign, maintain their impressive second-place position with 24 points. Argentina currently leads the pack with 34 points, holding the sole confirmed spot in the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Paraguay, fresh off a 2-0 win over Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay, share third place with Ecuador on points.
The atmosphere at the Estadio Monumental in Guayaquil was electric, with a packed crowd eager to see Ecuador potentially secure their qualification. However, a pre-match blow saw goalkeeper Hernan Galindez sidelined with a muscle strain, forcing a hurried debut for replacement Gonzalo Valle. Despite the last-minute change, Valle demonstrated early composure, effectively parrying a shot from Vinicius Jr.
The match itself proved to be a cagey affair, with both sides struggling to assert control in midfield. Chances were at a premium, and the pattern continued into the second half. Ecuador, missing their influential injured striker Enner Valencia, found it difficult to create significant attacking threats. Brazil, too, lacked their usual potency in attack, with Real Madrid star Vinicius largely contained and Rodrygo absent from the squad. The most notable opportunity for Brazil came in the 75th minute when Vinicius's cut-back found Casemiro, but the Manchester United midfielder's tame effort was comfortably dealt with by Valle.
Despite the immediate lack of a revolutionary impact, Vinicius Jr., who thrived under Ancelotti at Real Madrid, expressed confidence in his new national team coach. "I’m very happy to have Ancelotti here with us, because I’ve always said he’s the best coach I’ve ever worked with. Having the opportunity to work with him in the Brazilian national team is the best,” the winger told SporTV, adding that Ancelotti simply "hasn’t had time to show his work, his game plan, because he’s only had two or three days of training.”
Argentina's Dominance Continues
In Santiago, Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez secured Argentina's 1-0 victory over Chile with a deft finish in the 16th minute, following a perfectly weighted pass from Thiago Almada. Though Lionel Messi entered the fray from the bench in the 57th minute, Chile, sensing an opportunity, began to press more as the game wore on.
Argentina's goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was instrumental in preserving the clean sheet, making a series of crucial saves. Chile's Lucas Cepeda came closest to an equalizer with a fierce shot that rattled the crossbar and later blasted a volley wide from a prime position at the back post. Messi also had a hand in a late chance for Giuliano Simeone, the son of former Argentina captain and Atletico Madrid coach Diego, but his shot found the side netting.
Paraguay's Crucial Win
Elsewhere, Paraguay secured a vital 2-0 victory over a depleted Uruguay side. A header from midfielder Matías Galarza just 13 minutes into the game and a late penalty from Julio Enciso sealed the win for Paraguay. This triumph has propelled Paraguay to the brink of a return to the World Cup for the first time since qualifying for the 2010 finals in South Africa. A win against Brazil in Sao Paulo on Tuesday would officially secure their place in the tournament.
The top six teams from the 10-team South American qualifying group will automatically advance to the World Cup draw, while the seventh-placed team will proceed to the inter-confederation playoffs for a final chance at qualification.