Real Madrid forward Rodrygo netted the decisive goal as Brazil revitalized their sluggish 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 1-0 win over Ecuador on Saturday.
With the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico expanded to 48 teams, the top six finishers in South American qualifying will secure a spot at the tournament, while the seventh-place team will enter an inter-confederation playoff .
Brazil, after disappointing recent international tournaments—exiting in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup and failing to advance beyond the last eight at this year's Copa America—are eager to regain their form.
However, the lack of fluidity that has plagued Brazil’s recent performances was evident again against Ecuador on Friday. Despite dominating possession for long stretches, Brazil struggled to create clear scoring opportunities, managing only three shots on target.
The breakthrough finally came at the half-hour mark when Rodrygo received the ball on the edge of the box.
After a quick touch, the Real Madrid forward unleashed a 25-yard strike that deflected off Ecuador defender Willian Pacho and found the back of the net via the post.
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