One of the key matches during the last phase of the South American World Cup qualifications is Brazil vs. Chile. Brazil has punched its ticket to the 2026 World Cup, while Chile will be left on the sidelines once more. It’s been a long stretch since they last made it in 2014. Though their destinies are drastically different, this battle remains significant for Brazilants to wrap up their qualification with a victory, while for Chile, it is a matter of honor.

Brazil’s qualifying campaign has been far from perfect. The Seleção looked to Carlo Ancelotti in June 2025 after a volatile post-Qatar period that saw several interim managers. His reign began with a cautious 0-0 draw against Ecuador, followed by a narrow 1-0 win over Paraguay in São Paulo, courtesy of Vinícius Júnior.

Despite sitting third in the CONMEBOL standings, ten points behind Argentina, Brazil are already guaranteed qualification—thenly nation to appear at every single World Cup (23 editions). This tie and the following match against Bolivia mark their last competitive fixtures before the big stage in North America.

For Chile, the decline continues. Once Copa América champions (2015 & 2016), La Roja have failed to qualify for three consecutive World Cups. They have only won two of 16 qualifiers this campaign, scoring nine goals while losing ten games. Both wins came at home (vs.. Peru and Venezuela), highlighting their inability to travel well.

Ricardo Gareca’s exit has seen Nicolás Córdova return as interim coach, but results have not improved. With just 10 points, Chile riskss recording their worst-ever qualifying tally since the 2002 cycle.

Brazil hasutterly dominated this rivalry, winningning their last five meetings and keepinging clean sheets in four of them. Chile’s last victory came in 2015, a 2-0 qualifier success.

Carlo Ancelotti has opted for an experimental squad, resting several big names.

Alisson, Wesley, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Caio Henrique, Casemiro, Guimarães, Estêvão, João Pedro, Raphinha, and and Richarlison.

Player to Watch: Raphinha—The Barcelona winger scored 34 goals last season across competitions, including 13 in the Champions League. With 11 goals for Brazil already, he is a key attacking outlet in Vinícius’ absence.

Chile is undergoing a generational shift, with veterans Arturo Vidal, Alexis Sánchez, and Charles Aránguiz all omitted.

Vigouroux; Hormazábal, Maripán, Kuščević, Suazo; Echeverría, Loyola, Pizarro; Osorio, Cepeda, Brereton Díaz.

Player to Watch: Ben Brereton Díaz – The Derby County forward has 7 international goals and will shoulder Chile’s slim attacking hopes.

Ancelotti prefers a 4-2-3-1, balancing Casemiro’s defensive solidity with Bruno Guimarães’ passing range. Richarlison is anticipated to lead the line, while wide players like Raphinha and Martinelli (or Estêvão) offer width and pace.

Brazil has been strong at home, unbeaten in seven matches, conceding just two goals. Their early attacking pressure at the Maracanã is expected to pin Chile deep.

Córdova’s squad is young and inexperienced—20 players have fewer than 10 caps, while 9 await debuts. They will likely adopt a defensive 4-3-3, sitting deep and hoping Brereton Díaz can counterattack effectively. But with only one away goal in eight qualifiers, expectations are low.

Given Brazil’s home record, squad depth, and Chile’s disarray, this looks one-sided.

Brazil enters this fixture with qualification secured but will want a convincing performance at the Maracanã to give fans confidence before the World Cup. With Marquinhos making his 100th cap, Raphinha in form, and young talents eager to impress, the Seleção should deliver.

Chile, meanwhile, arrived at rock bottom—a squad stripped of experience, low on morale, and with no goals scored in 2025. They’ll likely focus on damage limitation, but Brazil’s quality is expected to shine through.

Expect a professional, comfortable win for Brazil.