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.
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
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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: 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: 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 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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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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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 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 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 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.
