Carlo Ancelotti’s first match in charge of Brazil ended in a 0-0 draw against Ecuador in Guayaquil on Thursday, as the five-time world champions struggled to break down a resilient home side in their South American World Cup qualifier.
The Italian manager, who took over from Dorival Junior after Brazil’s heavy 4-1 defeat to Argentina in March, saw his team remain in fourth place with 22 points, while Ecuador stayed second on 24.
Ecuador suffered a pre-match blow when first-choice goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez suffered a muscle strain in the warm-up, forcing debutant Gonzalo Valle into action. The substitute was tested early, parrying a Vinícius Júnior effort after a turnover in midfield.
With Enner Valencia missing through injury, Ecuador lacked attacking threat, while Brazil—also without Rodrygo—struggled for creativity. The best chance fell to Casemiro in the 75th minute, but his tame side-footed shot was comfortably saved.
Vinicius, who played under Ancelotti at Real Madrid, urged patience, telling SporTV: “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. He hasn’t had time to show his work, his game plan, because he’s only had two or three days of training.”
Meanwhile, Argentina secured a 1-0 win over Chile in Santiago, with Julián Álvarez scoring the only goal in the 16th minute after a sublime through ball from Thiago Almada. Lionel Messi came off the bench in the second half but couldn’t add to the scoreline, though Argentina—already qualified—clinched top spot in the group with 34 points.
Chile, now bottom of the standings and virtually out of contention, pushed hard late on. Emiliano Martínez made crucial saves, while Lucas Cepeda struck the bar and later missed a golden chance at the back post.
In another key match, Paraguay boosted their qualification hopes with a 2-0 win over Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay, courtesy of Matías Galarza’s early header and a late Julio Enciso penalty. The victory moved them level with Ecuador on 24 points, and a win over Brazil on Tuesday could seal their first World Cup appearance since 2010.
The top six teams in the CONMEBOL qualifiers advance directly to the 2026 World Cup, with the seventh-placed side entering a playoff. With Argentina already through, the race for the remaining spots intensifies as the final rounds approach.
