Carlo Ancelotti is set to make his highly anticipated debut as head coach of the Brazil national team on Thursday. The five-time World Cup champions travel to Ecuador for one of the concluding matches in the South American World Cup qualifying campaign.
Following a difficult start, Brazil has recovered over 14 games and now occupies fourth place in the 10-team CONMEBOL standings. With 21 points, they hold a six-point advantage over seventh-placed Venezuela (in the intercontinental playoff spot) and a seven-point lead over eighth-placed Bolivia. While qualification appears highly probable, Brazil`s goals for these final qualifiers include securing their place at the 2026 World Cup and making a strong impression under Ancelotti`s new leadership.
The new manager faces an immediate challenge. Ecuador currently sits second, two points ahead of Brazil and the two other teams level on points with the Selecao: Uruguay and Paraguay. An Ecuador victory on Thursday against Brazil could potentially secure their 2026 World Cup spot, depending on the outcome of the Venezuela vs. Bolivia match on Friday.
Last Meeting
The teams last met in September at Estadio Couto Pereira in Curitiba, where host Brazil won 1-0. Brazil controlled possession and scored the only goal in the 30th minute via Rodrygo. Despite this, the match was balanced in terms of attacking opportunities. Brazil slightly edged Ecuador in shots (10-9) and shots on target (three to two).
Ecuador`s Perspective
Competing in a tough CONMEBOL qualifying campaign, Ecuador holds second place and is close to securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup. While not World Cup regulars, `La Tri` have participated four previous times. Their potential early qualification isn`t solely due to FIFA`s expansion to 48 teams. To qualify as early as Thursday, they must defeat Brazil, a feat they haven`t achieved yet in this campaign.
Head coach Sebastian Beccacece believes Ecuador has progressed since their 1-0 loss in Curitiba nine months prior.
“Feeling that you`re growing is key,” he stated recently, per ESPN. “I feel that Ecuador used to compete very well physically, that they have a natural ability, but I`ve noticed in the last few matches, after Bolivia and Peru, that the team has been very dominant, dominating the game, keeping the ball, and improving those aspects of having more possession, finishing, attacking, and crossing. We`ve grown a lot since we started.”
Beccacece, in charge since last August, noted areas for further development.
“There`s a lot to improve on set pieces; we haven`t gotten any benefit from them, and that`s a valid argument. Overall, I`m very happy and satisfied, and I feel we have to continue with that ambition so we don`t stop at what we`re achieving. It`s not insignificant, but we don`t know if it`s enough.”
Brazil`s Perspective
Since being eliminated in the quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup, Brazil has experienced inconsistent form. They won only two of their initial six qualifying matches and were knocked out in the Copa America quarterfinals last summer. This period highlighted the need for a change, which begins Thursday with Ancelotti`s debut.
Ancelotti and the team have ambitions as high as the stakes, already drawing comparisons between the Selecao and top club teams. Ancelotti himself mentioned his former club, Real Madrid, during his introductory comments last week.
“My Brazil will play like Real Madrid, but not like Real Madrid this year, rather like Real Madrid last year,” Ancelotti stated, per ESPN. “That`s what I want.”
Brazil captain Marquinhos, fresh off winning his first UEFA Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain in a season marked by significant change under Luis Enrique following Kylian Mbappe`s departure, also commented.
“I saw at PSG that things can change very quickly, the dynamics, the energy, everything,” Marquinhos said, per ESPN. “I hope that happens here, too. I`ve had little contact with Ancelotti, only last night and this morning, but he gave me a clear picture of the game plan. With his experience, the adaptation will be quick. With his experience, we will improve with every training session. He brings energy, something new. It`s a short time until the World Cup, so this energy is very important. It`s just a start, it will depend a lot on our performance on the field.”
Predicted Lineups
Ecuador: Hernan Galindez, Joel Ordonez, Willian Pacho, Piero Hincapie, Alan Franco, Moises Caicedo, Pedro Vite, Pervis Estupinan, Alan Minda, Enner Valencia, Darwin Guagua
Brazil: Alisson, Augusto, Marquinhos, Leo Ortiz, Lucas Beraldo, Casemiro, Ederson, Bruno Guimaraes, Matheus Cunha, Raphinha, Vinicius Junior
Player to Watch
Vinicius Junior, Brazil: If any current player embodies the flair and star quality historically associated with Brazilian footballers, it`s Vinicius Junior. He has become Real Madrid`s primary star, delivering crucial performances in two UEFA Champions League finals and emerging as a strong candidate for the Ballon d`Or. While his exceptional club form hasn`t fully translated to the national team yet, Ancelotti`s presence could change that. He scored 90 goals in 198 appearances under Ancelotti at Real Madrid and has the potential to become Brazil`s leading figure by the next World Cup. Thursday presents a prime opportunity for Vinicius to positively influence the start of this new era for the national team with a significant performance.
Storyline to Watch
Ancelotti`s First Match: Carlo Ancelotti is new to managing a national team, particularly Brazil, and faces a tight schedule. Among prominent coaches expected at the 2026 World Cup, he has one of the shortest preparation periods. His task is to transform a team that has been inconsistent into an international powerhouse, mirroring his description of replicating `last year`s Real Madrid`. How quickly he can achieve this is a major unknown, given the limited number of international fixtures. The highly successful coach must make an immediate impact to help Brazil pursue their ultimate objective: winning their first World Cup trophy in 24 years.
Prediction
Anticipating Brazil`s performance in their first match under a new coach is challenging, especially when facing an Ecuador side highly motivated for a win. However, Brazil possesses significant quality that could see them triumph. While Vinicius Jr. is the most prominent star, Raphinha is coming off a strong season with Barcelona, and Marquinhos was a consistent presence for PSG during their recent successful campaign. Despite the high stakes for Ecuador, this match is arguably Brazil`s to control. Prediction: Ecuador 0, Brazil 1
