Brazil beat Chile with dominant 3-0 in World Cup qualifier

WEB DESK: Brazil made it back-to-back victories under Carlo Ancelotti with a commanding 3-0 triumph over Chile in their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier at the Maracanã. Goals from Estevão, Lucas Paquetá, and Bruno Guimarães highlighted a performance that blended flair with efficiency, while Chile’s struggles deepened after another disjointed display.

The Seleção started brightly, pushing Chile back from the opening whistle. Gabriel forced an early save with a header before Estevão produced the game’s standout moment in the 38th minute. After a sharp move involving Joao Pedro and Raphinha, the teenager improvised with an overhead kick to break the deadlock, sending the home fans into raptures. Chile’s hopes of a response were dented just before halftime when defender Guillermo Maripán was sent off for a reckless challenge on Wesley, reducing La Roja to ten men.

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Chile came closest to equalising when Ben Brereton Díaz’s header struck the post in stoppage time of the first half, but from then on Brazil controlled proceedings. Ancelotti’s substitutions proved decisive after the break. Henrique’s driving run set up a counter in the 72nd minute, with Paquetá heading in to double the lead only moments after coming on. Four minutes later, Henrique was again involved as his shot forced a save onto the bar, leaving Guimarães to tuck in the rebound for Brazil’s third.

The closing stages were largely academic, with Brazil keeping possession and Chile chasing shadows. Alisson remained untroubled as Ancelotti’s men saw out the match with professionalism and composure.

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For Chile, it was another sobering night. Despite brief spells of possession, they rarely threatened and were undone by lapses in discipline and organisation. With qualification hopes hanging by a thread, Eduardo Berizzo faces mounting pressure.

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For Brazil, however, the signs are encouraging. Even without Neymar, Ancelotti’s side looked balanced and clinical, with emerging talents like Estevão complementing established stars. The win consolidates their strong start to the qualifying campaign and underlines their status as favourites to top the group.