Sports

FIFA WC Qualifiers: Brazil Beat Ecuador 1-0 - In Pics

Real Madrid star Rodrygo scored a goal in the first half and Brazil defeated Ecuador 1-0 on Friday end a three-match losing streak in South American qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. The 23-year-old Rodrygo scored with a shot from outside the box that was deflected by a defender to the right post in the 30th minute. Five-time world champion Brazil lost consecutive matches to Uruguay, Colombia and Argentina at the end of last year and was in sixth place in the standings after six rounds. The Brazilians now have 10 points and are in fourth place.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Brazil Vs Ecuador Photo: AP/Silvia Izquierdo

Brazil's Endrick reacts at the end of a qualifying soccer match against Ecuador for the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Couto Pereira Stadium in Curitiba, Parana state, Brazil.

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FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Ecuador vs Brazil
FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Ecuador vs Brazil Photo: AP/Silvia Izquierdo

Brazil's Vinicius Junior falls during a qualifying soccer match against Ecuador for the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Couto Pereira Stadium in Curitiba, Parana state, Brazil.

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FIFA WC Qualifiers: Brazils Gabriel
FIFA WC Qualifiers: Brazil's Gabriel Photo: AP/Bruna Prado

Brazil's Gabriel, right, and Ecuador's Enner Valencia go for a header during a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Couto Pereira Stadium in Curitiba, Parana state, Brazil.

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FIFA WC Qualifiers: Ecuadors Enner Valencia
FIFA WC Qualifiers: Ecuador's Enner Valencia Photo: AP/Silvia Izquierdo

Brazil's Guilherme Arana, below, and Ecuador's Enner Valencia battle for the ball during a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Couto Pereira Stadium in Curitiba, Parana state, Brazil.

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Qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup 2026
Qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Photo: AP/Silvia Izquierdo

Brazil's Rodrygo celebrates scoring the opening goal against Ecuador during a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Couto Pereira Stadium in Curitiba, Parana state, Brazil.

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Ecuadors Alan Franco
Ecuador's Alan Franco Photo: AP/Bruna Prado

Ecuador's Alan Franco, left, and Brazil's Guilherme Arana battle for the ball during a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Couto Pereira Stadium in Curitiba, Parana state, Brazil.

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Ecuadors Pervis Estupinan
Ecuador's Pervis Estupinan Photo: AP/Silvia Izquierdo

Ecuador's Pervis Estupinan, left, and Brazil's Luiz Henrique battle for the ball during a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Couto Pereira Stadium in Curitiba, Parana state, Brazil.

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Brazil vs Ecuador
Brazil vs Ecuador Photo: AP/Silvia Izquierdo

Brazil's Marquinhos, left, and Ecuador's Enner Valencia go for a header during a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Couto Pereira Stadium in Curitiba, Parana state, Brazil.

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FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Vinicius Junior
FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Vinicius Junior Photo: AP/Silvia Izquierdo

Brazil's Vinicius Junior reacts during a qualifying soccer match against Ecuador for the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Couto Pereira Stadium in Curitiba, Parana state, Brazil

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FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifying Soccer Match Ecuador vs Brazil
FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifying Soccer Match Ecuador vs Brazil Photo: AP/Silvia Izquierdo

Brazil's Lucas Paqueta, center, and Ecuador's Enner Valencia go for a header during a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Couto Pereira Stadium in Curitiba, Parana state, Brazil.