Brazil vs Chile Latest News: Brazil’s 3-0 Victory and Estêvão’s Historic Goal
The World Cup 2026 South American Qualifiers saw a thrilling clash at the iconic Maracanã Stadium, where Brazil defeated Chile 3-0. This result not only displayed Brazil’s dominance but also marked a historic moment for young talent Estêvão Willian, who stunned the world with a spectacular bicycle-kick goal.
Match Highlights
Brazil controlled the game from the very beginning, keeping possession and pressing high against Chile’s defense. The breakthrough came with Lucas Paquetá, who opened the scoring with a composed finish. Midfield maestro Bruno Guimarães extended the lead with a well-placed shot, sealing Brazil’s confidence in the match.
But the night truly belonged to 18-year-old Estêvão Willian, who scored a jaw-dropping bicycle-kick goal. At just 18 years and 4 months old, he became the youngest Brazilian to score in a non-friendly international match since Pelé. His goal electrified the crowd and immediately turned him into one of the most talked-about rising stars in world football.
Key Moments of the Match
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Estêvão’s Bicycle Kick: A historic goal that set social media on fire.
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João Pedro’s Scare: The forward vomited on the pitch after colliding with teammate Gabriel Martinelli but quickly recovered and continued.
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Squad Rotation: With Neymar, Vinícius Júnior, and Rodrygo absent, manager Carlo Ancelotti experimented with new talent, proving Brazil’s squad depth.
Chile’s Struggles
Chile entered the match hoping to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive, but Brazil’s dominance left them struggling to create chances. Despite their fighting spirit, Chile couldn’t break Brazil’s strong defense. This defeat means Chile’s path to qualification is now over, shifting their focus to rebuilding for the future.
Brazil’s Rising Stars
The standout performance of Estêvão signals a new generation for Brazil. With legends like Neymar nearing the twilight of their careers, Brazil is clearly preparing a strong foundation with youth players who can carry the Seleção forward.
Coach Ancelotti’s Strategy
Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil’s head coach, defended Neymar’s absence as a technical and fitness-based decision. He emphasized the importance of rotating players and giving younger stars a chance to shine. The strategy paid off, with Estêvão becoming the hero of the night.
Final Score Summary
| Fixture | Brazil vs Chile – 2026 World Cup Qualifier |
|---|---|
| Venue | Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro |
| Final Score | Brazil 3–0 Chile |
| Goal Scorers | Lucas Paquetá, Bruno Guimarães, Estêvão Willian |
| Special Moment | Estêvão – youngest Brazilian scorer since Pelé |
What This Means for Brazil
Brazil has already secured World Cup qualification, but this victory highlights their incredible squad depth and future potential. The performance reassured fans that even without big names like Neymar, Brazil remains a formidable force on the global stage.
Chile, on the other hand, will need to rebuild and focus on the next generation of players, as this defeat officially ended their qualification campaign.
The Brazil vs Chile 3-0 match was more than just a qualifier—it was a statement of Brazil’s dominance and a glimpse into the future of their national team. With Estêvão’s unforgettable goal, Brazil reminded the world why they are football’s most celebrated nation.
As the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, Brazil looks ready to shine not only with its legendary past but also with its emerging young stars.