As their faltering preparation for the 2026 World Cup continued, Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil were defeated to a humiliating 1-1 friendly tie by Tunisia in Lille on Wednesday (IST). Estevao, an 18-year-old in form, scored a penalty, but Lucas Paqueta wasted a chance to give the Selecao the victory. After only placing seventh in South American qualifying, the five-time world champions are somewhat under pressure going into the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada next year. Although they lost to Japan 3-2 in a friendly match last month, Ancelotti is optimistic that his team will get better before the competition.
The former Real Madrid manager told reporters, “We’re on the right track to reach our best level at the World Cup.”
“We had a great game against Senegal last week, but today’s match against Tunisia was far more challenging.
“Tunisia defends with a very deep block, which is one of their unique traits. Finding gaps in this kind of defense is far more challenging.
Matheus Cunha, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes, and Estevao are the four strikers in Brazil coach Ancelotti’s starting lineup.
However, halfway through the first half, Tunisia unexpectedly seized the lead thanks to a superb cross from Ali Abdi that reached Dynamo Makhachkala’s Hazem Mastouri. The Dynamo Makhachkala striker maintained his calm and slipped the ball past Brazil’s rushing goalkeeper Bento.
To the dismay of the thousands of Tunisian supporters at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, however, Brazil was given a penalty by VAR for handball just before halftime.
Estevao stepped up to score his fifth goal for his country. Estevao also scored against Senegal on Saturday.
With 12 minutes left, Brazil was awarded another penalty; however, replacement Paqueta took Estevao’s spot-kick duties and slammed his attempt over the crossbar.
When Estevao went down in the 89th minute, Brazil believed they should have been given a third penalty, but despite a VAR review, the referee continued to wave play on.
In other international friendlies, Senegal defeated Kenya 8-0 thanks to a hat-trick from Sadio Mane in the first half, while the Ivory Coast, the African champions, defeated Oman 2-0 to recover from a setback to Saudi Arabia.
Riyad Mahrez scored as Algeria defeated the Saudis 2-0 at home, while Morocco, the 2022 World Cup semifinalists, defeated Uganda 4-0.
In a goalless draw with Iran, Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov was sent out for Uzbekistan, who will play their first World Cup next year.
