LIVE INFO
MATCH PREVIEW & MORE INFO
Brazil: possible starting lineup: Ederson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Alex Telles; Andre, Bruno Guimaraes, Lucas Paqueta; Raphinha, Endrick, Rodrygo
Chile: possible starting lineup: Cortes; Hormazabal, Maripan, P Diaz, Galdames; Valdes, Osorio, Echeverria, Pulgar; Vargas, Davila
Match Preview
Brazil faces a crucial World Cup qualifier against Chile in Santiago, as pressure mounts on manager Dorival Junior. Despite being in the role for less than a year, Dorival is already under scrutiny, with Brazil's qualification for the 2026 World Cup hanging in the balance. Brazil, the only nation to have participated in every World Cup since 1930, is at risk of missing the tournament for the first time in history.
Brazil's current campaign has been underwhelming, having picked up just 10 points from eight games, putting them in a precarious position. With Venezuela, Paraguay, and Bolivia close behind, Brazil’s spot in the top six qualifying places is far from secure, even with the expansion to 48 teams for the 2026 tournament.
Dorival's side is coming off a poor run of form, with just two wins in their last nine competitive matches. Brazil’s recent 1-0 loss to Paraguay in their last qualifier highlights the team’s struggles. However, their record against Chile remains favorable, with Brazil having lost only one of their last 19 encounters with La Roja. The upcoming match against Chile, who are second-to-last in the standings, offers an opportunity for Brazil to regain momentum.
Chile, under new manager Ricardo Gareca, is in full-blown crisis mode. After a disappointing group-stage exit at the Copa America, Chile has continued to struggle in World Cup qualifying. They are ninth in the standings with just five points, and their recent 3-0 loss to Argentina and a shocking 2-0 home defeat to Bolivia underscore their issues. Unless Gareca can quickly turn things around, Chile is on track to miss the World Cup for a third straight time, a far cry from their glory days of back-to-back Copa America titles in 2015 and 2016.
Team News
Chile
Ricardo Gareca has made several changes to his squad following their loss to Bolivia. Veterans like Mauricio Isla and Gabriel Arias have been dropped in favor of younger players. Ben Brereton Diaz, out of form, also misses out, while Alexis Sanchez remains sidelined with injury. The absence of key players like Matias Catalan and Vicente Pizarro further weakens Chile’s squad.
Brazil
Brazil will be without several key players. Goalkeeper Alisson is out due to a hamstring injury, so Manchester City's Ederson will start in goal, earning his 26th cap. Vinicius Junior has withdrawn from the squad with a neck injury, splitting up the Real Madrid attacking trio, although Rodrygo and Endrick are expected to start. Defensive injuries are a concern for Dorival, with Bremer, Eder Militao, and Guilherme Arana all sidelined. This opens the door for Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes to start, likely earning his 10th international cap.
Form Guide
Chile World Cup Qualifying - South America form: WLDLLL
Chile form (all competitions): WDLDLL
Brazil World Cup Qualifying - South America form: DLLLWL
Brazil form (all competitions): DWDLWL
Summary
Brazil will aim to exploit Chile's poor form and record another crucial win to stabilize their World Cup qualifying campaign. Chile, struggling to find their footing, needs a dramatic turnaround to keep their fading qualification hopes alive. With both sides under pressure, Thursday night's clash in Santiago will be pivotal for both nations' World Cup aspirations.