Ecuador vs Brazil Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Ecuador vs Brazil Preview

• Tournament: 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
• Date: Thursday, 5 June 2025
• Kick-Off Time: 23:00 PM GMT
• Venue: Banco Pichincha Monumental Stadium

Brazil looks to get the Carlo Ancelotti era off to a perfect start when they travel to the Banco Pichincha Monumental Stadium, Guayaquil, to face a dangerous Ecuador side. The Ecuador vs Brazil clash will take place on Thursday, 5 June 2025 at 23:30 PM GMT.

Ecuador are going strong in their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, having won seven of their 14 qualification matches so far. They have won three of their last five qualifiers and are in a seven-match unbeaten run, with their previous loss coming against the Selecao in the qualifiers themselves!

Sebastian Beccacece will be looking to ensure that his side maintains their extra sturdy defensive shape to frustrate the Brazilian frontline and neutralize their threat. He will also need his players to be clinical and decisive in taking up whatever opportunity presents itself to sneak away with a win and get closer to World Cup qualification.

Brazil are in need of seriously picking up their form if they wish to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup without any hurdles. They've only won two of their last five qualification matches and suffered a damning 4-1 defeat to Argentina in their last game.

Carlo Ancelotti knows he has a big task in his hands for the final qualification matches. He will focus on getting his combination perfect for his first game in charge of Brazil and ensure that their unpredictable, skillful attacking players can combine perfectly. He will also need his defenders to be extra sturdy to keep out Ecuador and get away with a win.

Ecuador Team News

Sebastien Beccacece is fortunate enough to have a fully fit squad available for this upcoming game. He has, however, called up some new players into the squad. The likes of goalkeepers David and Gonzalo Valle, as well as midfielder Bryan Ramirez, have received their maiden call-ups to the national team.

Brazil Team News

Carlo Ancelotti has not been able to call upon the likes of Gabriel Magalhaes, Eder Militao, Rodrygo, and Endrick because of injuries. Neymar has also been snubbed because of his lack of match sharpness. The Italian gaffer has, however, called back the likes of Casemiro, Antony, and Richarlison in the Brazil squad.

Ecuador vs Brazil Predicted Lineups

Ecuador Predicted Lineup (3-4-3):

Goalkeeper: Hernan Galindez

Defenders: Joel Ordonez, Willian Pacho, Piero Hincapie, Alan Franco, Pervis Estupinian

Midfielders: Moises Caicedo, Kendry Paez

Forwards: Gonzalo Plata, Janner Corozo, Enner Valencia

Brazil Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Alisson

Defenders: Vanderson, Marquinhos, Lucas Beraldo, Carlos Augusto

Midfielders: Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes, Raphinha

Forwards: Matheus Cunha, Vini Jr, Richarlison

Ecuador vs Brazil Head-to-Head Record

These two sides have faced each other on 36 occasions in the past. Out of that, Brazil have won 28 matches and Ecuador have only managed two wins. In their last five games, Brazil have won twice and the other three games have been drawn.

Key Players to Watch in Ecuador vs Brazil

Moises Caicedo (Ecuador)

Moises Caicedo is coming off an impressive 2024/25 season with Chelsea, winning the UEFA Europa Conference League and being elected as their Player of the Season. The midfield general has managed three assists in 13 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers for his side, averaging 1.2 key passes per game.

He will need to be at his proactive, steely best to help his side sustain the pressure against Brazil. Caicedo needs to be alert and commanding with his work, winning key battles and driving his side forward, and also looking to create chances to help Ecuador get a big result.

Raphinha (Brazil)

Raphinha managed 59 goal contributions (34 goals, 25 assists) for Barcelona in the 2024/25 season, topping the goal charts in the UEFA Champions League. He has impressed in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers for Brazil, scoring five goals with a 19% goal conversion rate.

The Barcelona star will probably get to play in a free attacking role in Ancelotti's system and looks to bring his club form to the international level. He will look to trouble defenders with his movement and nail his clever final passes to set up big chances, as well as getting to the end of opportunities himself.

Ecuador vs Brazil Prediction

Considering how rigid and sturdy Ecuador has been in the World Cup qualifiers campaign (five goals conceded in 14 games), they will be no pushovers for Brazil. However, with Carlo Ancelotti's arrival, the Selecao should play more free-flowing, clinical attacking football.

This game could end up being quite a cagey and aggressive tie because of the contrasting styles between the two teams. However, Ecuador's struggles with scoring goals could end up coming back to haunt them as Brazil's explosive frontline should nudge a win in Ancelotti's first game.

Predicted Score: Ecuador 0-1 Brazil

Where to watch Ecuador vs Brazil Live?