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As the pressure mounts, Brazil's national football team faces critical World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Peru, but they will do so without several key players sidelined by injuries. After a string of poor performances, the five-time World Cup champions are under intense scrutiny as they sit precariously in fifth place in the qualification standings, just ahead of Venezuela on goal difference.
Brazil's recent form has been worrying, having lost four of their last five qualifiers. The team's inconsistency began after the departure of coach Tite following their World Cup quarter-final exit to Croatia. Since then, Brazil has struggled to regain momentum, winning only four of their last 14 games under Dorival Jr., who took over as manager in January. Following their early exit in the Copa America and a series of disappointing results in the qualifiers, Brazil now risks missing the World Cup for the first time in their history.
The Brazilian squad has been further weakened by injuries to several top players, including goalkeeper Alisson, defenders Bremer, Eder Militao, and Guilherme Arana, and star forward Vinicius Jr. These absences have forced Dorival to make changes to his squad, most notably selecting Igor Jesus to start in attack against Chile. The 23-year-old Botafogo forward has been in fine form, scoring seven goals in 19 appearances since joining the team in July.
Dorival explained his decision to start Jesus over Real Madrid's teenage prodigy Endrick, citing the forward's experience and current form. "Igor's moment is very interesting," Dorival said in a press conference, adding that his energy and game-readiness could be crucial for such a high-stakes encounter.
Brazil will face Chile in Santiago on Thursday, a must-win match to keep their qualification hopes alive. Chile is currently ranked ninth in the standings with only five points, while Peru lingers at the bottom. Despite the challenges, Dorival remains optimistic that Brazil can find the balance needed to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
Brazil's lineup for the match against Chile will feature Ederson in goal, with defenders Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Abner. In midfield, Andre and Lucas Paqueta will provide structure, while forwards Savinho, Raphinha, Rodrygo, and Igor Jesus are expected to lead the attack.
