Brazil’s Ancelotti debut stalls: 0-0 draw with Ecuador, Argentina clinches top spot

Carlo Ancelotti’s first match as Brazil coach ended in a goalless draw against Ecuador, leaving Brazil fourth in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers with 22 points. Despite limited training time and missing star Raphinha, key players like Vinicius Jr. and Casemiro remain optimistic about the team’s progress as Argentina secures the top qualifying position.

Sources:
India TodaySportstarGoal+1
Updated 1h ago
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Sources: India TodayGoalTimesofindia+1
Carlo Ancelotti's first match as Brazil's head coach ended in a 0-0 draw against Ecuador in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, leaving Brazil in fourth place with 22 points.

Despite controlling possession, Brazil struggled to create clear scoring chances, a challenge compounded by the absence of key player Raphinha. Ancelotti acknowledged the team's strong organisation and commitment but noted the limited time to implement his strategies.

"It's a different kind of work, we have very good quality players. There's not much time to work, but there's room for improvement because we have quality," Ancelotti said.

The Italian coach made significant lineup changes, reinstating veterans like Casemiro and Richarlison, debuting defender Alex, and assigning the iconic No. 10 shirt to Vinicius Jr.

Casemiro praised the team's progress and atmosphere: "Of course we always have to improve, but little by little we're getting better. It's only been two or three days with a new coach. The dynamic is good, the atmosphere is good. I'm very happy to be back. The atmosphere is excellent."

Vinicius Jr. echoed the call for patience, noting that Ancelotti has yet to reveal his full game plan.

Meanwhile, Ecuador remains second in the standings with 24 points, while Argentina secured the top spot with a 1-0 win over Chile, thanks to Julian Alvarez's goal.

Brazil faces a crucial upcoming match against third-placed Paraguay, who recently defeated Uruguay 2-0, as the qualifiers intensify.

Ancelotti, who recently left Real Madrid, is tasked with guiding Brazil through the final stages of qualification for the 2026 World Cup, aiming to build cohesion quickly despite the limited preparation time.

Sources: India TodayTimesofindiaGoal
Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil debut ended in a 0-0 draw with Ecuador in World Cup 2026 qualifiers, leaving Brazil fourth with 22 points. Argentina secured top spot with a 1-0 win over Chile. Ancelotti praised team spirit despite limited preparation and missing key player Raphinha.
Section 1 background
Of course we always have to improve, but little by little we're getting better. It's only been two or three days with a new coach. The dynamic is good, the atmosphere is good. I'm very happy to be back. The atmosphere is excellent.
Casemiro
Brazil midfielder
India Today
We will manage. He is yet to show his game plan.
Vinicius Jr.
Brazil forward
Goal
It's a different kind of work, we have very good quality players. There's not much time to work, but there's room for improvement because we have quality.
Carlo Ancelotti
Brazil national team coach
Goal
Key Facts
  • Carlo Ancelotti made his debut as Brazil national team coach in a 0-0 draw against Ecuador in the FIFA World Cup 2026 CONMEBOL qualifiers on June 5, 2025.India TodayGoalSportstar
  • Ancelotti made sweeping changes to Brazil's starting lineup including restoring Casemiro and Richarlison, debuting defender Alex, and giving Vinicius Jr. the iconic No. 10 shirt.Goal
  • Brazil controlled possession during the match but lacked clear scoring opportunities, resulting in a goalless draw.Goal
  • Brazil remains fourth in the World Cup qualifier standings with 22 points, while Ecuador stays second with 24 points.India TodaySportstar
  • Ancelotti cited the absence of key player Raphinha as a factor in the goalless draw but praised the team’s organization and commitment.India TodayGoal
  • Vinicius Jr. and Casemiro expressed optimism about the team’s dynamics and improvement despite having only two or three days of training with Ancelotti.India Today
  • Argentina secured top spot in the qualifiers with a 1-0 victory over Chile, led by Julian Alvarez's goal.Timesofindia
Key Stats at a Glance
Match result Brazil vs Ecuador
0-0
India Today
Brazil's standing in qualifiers
4th
India Today
Brazil's points in qualifiers
22 points
India Today
Ecuador's standing in qualifiers
2nd
India Today
Ecuador's points in qualifiers
24 points
India Today
Argentina vs Chile match result
1-0
Timesofindia
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