Match Overview
The 17th-round fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification tournament, pitting the national teams of Brazil and Chile against each other, is scheduled for September 5 at the iconic Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. This article offers a detailed match prediction, including analysis of team form, expected lineups, and key statistics.Brazil Team Analysis
Secured World Cup Berth
Carlo Ancelotti’s formidable squad has already successfully secured their spot in the upcoming World Cup finals. In June, the Brazilian national team played out a goalless draw away to Ecuador (0:0), before achieving a narrow 1-0 victory over Paraguay on their home ground. This performance marked the first instance since March 2022 that the Brazilians managed to keep two consecutive clean sheets in World Cup qualifiers. With 25 points, Brazil currently holds the 3rd position in the standings, trailing second-placed Ecuador only by supplementary metrics.
Recent Performance and Statistics
- Brazil has remained undefeated in 7 of their last 8 qualification matches (comprising 4 wins and 3 draws).
- A maximum of three goals has been registered in 13 of Brazil’s last 15 World Cup qualification encounters.
- The national team has emerged victorious in 4 of their previous 5 home fixtures during the current qualifying campaign.
Brazil’s Projected Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Alisson Becker – Vanderson, Alex Sandro, Marquinhos, Alessandro – Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães – Raphinha Dias, Gabriel Martinelli, Matheus Cunha – Richarlison.
Chile Team Analysis
World Cup Qualification Hopes Extinguished
In stark contrast, the Chilean national team has seen all its chances of qualifying for the World Cup vanish. They currently sit 8 points adrift of even the 7th position, which would offer a potential route to the World Cup via playoff matches. In June, Chile suffered defeats in both of their qualification games, failing to score in either: a 0-1 loss at home to Argentina, followed by a 0-2 away defeat against Bolivia. Overall, the team has now gone four consecutive World Cup qualification matches without finding the back of the net.
Coaching Change and Away Struggles
Ricardo Gareca was relieved of his duties in June, and the national team is now under the interim leadership of Nicolás Córdova.
Key Statistical Trends
- The team has failed to secure a victory in 12 of their last 13 World Cup qualification matches (recording 3 draws and 9 losses).
- Chile’s winless streak in away matches during the South American qualifiers extends to 9 games, consisting of 1 draw and 8 defeats.
- The Chileans have failed to score in 8 of their last 9 away encounters in this tournament.
Chile’s Projected Starting Lineup (4-3-3)
Lawrence Vigouroux – Guillermo Maripán, Gabriel Suazo, Benjamín Kuscevic, Fabián Hormazábal – Rodrigo Echeverría, Felipe Loyola, Lucas Assadi – Lucas Cepereda, Ben Brereton, Bruno Barticciotto.
Player Disqualification
Defender Francisco Sierralta will be unavailable for selection due to suspension.
Match Official Details
Referee: Alexis Herrera (Venezuela)
The match will be officiated by Alexis Herrera from Venezuela.
Referee Statistics (International Matches, 2024–2025)
Total Matches Officiated: 21
Yellow Cards Shown (including second yellows): 96
Average Yellow Cards Per Match: 4.6
Red Cards Shown: 6
Average Fouls Per Match: 26
Penalties Awarded: 29%
Brazil – Chile Match Prediction
Teams’ Current Motivation
Both national teams have effectively lost their primary tournament motivation in this qualification campaign. For the Brazilians, the main objective might be to conclude the South American qualifiers in the second position. Additionally, for coach Carlo Ancelotti, it’s vital to continue refining his new squad for the upcoming World Cup. Since his arrival, the Italian tactician has rapidly improved the team’s defensive structure; now, the focus shifts to securing a decisive victory.
Head-to-Head Performance and Chile’s Struggles
Historically, Brazil has rarely encountered difficulties in their matchups against Chile. In their last five official head-to-head encounters, Brazil has claimed victory in every instance. Notably, three of these matches were played on Brazilian soil, all resulting in comfortable clean-sheet wins for the hosts. Considering Chile has managed to score only 1 goal in their last 9 away World Cup qualifiers, it is highly probable that the underdog will not only face defeat but also fail to score once more.
Final Betting Recommendation
My prediction is a “Clean Sheet Victory for Brazil” at odds of 1.71.
Author: Oleksandr Oleksenko
Mark Thompson