Argentina reaffirmed their dominance in South American football by defeating Chile 1-0 in Santiago on Thursday night, sealing their place at the top of the 2026 World Cup qualifying standings. Meanwhile, Brazil’s new era under Carlo Ancelotti began with a lacklustre goalless draw against Ecuador, raising fresh concerns over the five-time world champions’ direction.
At the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni opted for experimentation, resting several key players including Lionel Messi, Enzo Fernández and Rodrigo De Paul. In their place, young talents such as Thiago Almada, Nico Paz, Giovanni Simeone and Exequiel Palacios were given starting roles.
Despite the reshuffled lineup, Argentina impressed early on with sharp attacking play. Their breakthrough came in the 16th minute when Almada surged forward and delivered a defence-splitting pass to Julián Álvarez. The Manchester City striker outpaced two Chilean defenders before coolly slotting the ball past the goalkeeper to give Argentina a deserved lead.
Simeone had the chance to double the advantage shortly after, but failed to convert from close range. For much of the first half, Chile were pinned back, forced to defend deep against Argentina’s intense pressing and movement.
In the second half, the home side responded with greater urgency and came close to equalising on two occasions, hitting the woodwork twice. Messi, returning to the squad after missing the March fixtures, entered the match as a substitute and offered brief glimpses of his trademark brilliance, but by then Argentina were firmly in control.
The win sees Argentina maintain their unbeaten run in the qualifiers, with 11 victories and one draw from 15 matches. Their 34 points put them ten clear of Ecuador in second place, making them mathematically uncatchable at the summit of the South American table.
In stark contrast, Brazil’s evening in Quito was far less encouraging. Facing Ecuador at the Estadio Monumental, Ancelotti’s side looked disjointed and uninspired. The much-anticipated debut of the Italian coach yielded few positives, as Brazil struggled to impose themselves and failed to create any meaningful chances.
Ecuador, well-organised and determined, looked the more coherent team throughout. They dominated midfield exchanges and forced Brazil onto the back foot in the second half. Despite several promising attacks, Ecuador’s finishing let them down, denying them a deserved victory.
Brazil’s only notable effort came in the 76th minute, when Casemiro’s long-range shot was well saved by the Ecuadorian goalkeeper. Even late substitutions — including the introduction of Matheus Cunha and Gabriel Martinelli — failed to inject any urgency into Brazil’s play.
With 22 points from 15 matches, Brazil now sit third in the standings, trailing Ecuador by two points. The result will raise serious questions about Brazil’s tactical direction under Ancelotti, who has yet to inspire the fluid attacking football that the nation demands.
As qualification nears its conclusion, Argentina look every bit the defending world champions, showcasing depth, discipline and confidence. Brazil, in contrast, face mounting pressure to rediscover their identity before it’s too late.