Brazil’s troubled preparations for the 2026 World Cup hit another setback on Tuesday night as Carlo Ancelotti’s side could only manage a 1-1 draw against Tunisia in Lille.
The five-time champions were rescued by 18-year-old Estêvão’s penalty but wasted a golden chance to claim victory when Lucas Paquetá fired a late spot-kick over the bar.
The result leaves Brazil languishing in seventh place in the FIFA rankings with just seven months until the tournament kicks off in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Having already suffered a shock 3-2 defeat to Japan last month and scraped through fifth in South American qualifying, the Seleção look worryingly short of form and confidence.
Tunisia Take Charge as Brazilian Defence Crumbles
Playing before a vocal pro-Tunisian crowd at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Brazil started poorly and paid the price. Full-back Wesley struggled throughout, repeatedly exposed on the left flank by the lively Ali Abdi. The Tunisian defender tormented his marker all evening.
Tunisia’s opener arrived in the 23rd minute through that vulnerable channel. Wesley’s sloppy touch gifted possession to Abdi, who drove forward and threaded a superb pass through for Hazem Mastouri. The Dynamo Makhachkala striker made no mistake, slotting calmly past the advancing Bento.
Brazil managed just three shots on target all match. Vinícius Júnior was anonymous for long spells whilst Rodrygo and Estêvão offered only occasional flashes. Tunisia’s deep defensive block frustrated Ancelotti’s attack-heavy lineup, which included four forwards in the starting XI.
Teenage Star Estêvão Delivers Again
Brazil’s equaliser came five minutes before the break after a slice of fortune. When Éder Militão challenged defender Yassine Bronn, the ball struck the Tunisian’s arm. VAR confirmed the penalty, and Estêvão confidently dispatched it past the goalkeeper.
The Palmeiras sensation has now scored five goals in his first five senior starts for Brazil. He also earned the man of the match award, continuing his remarkable introduction to international football.
Ancelotti shuffled his pack at half-time, bringing on Danilo and Vitor Roque for Wesley and Matheus Cunha. The changes injected fresh energy into Brazil’s attack. Vinícius became more involved, and the visitors created better chances, though they still lacked composure in the final third.
Paquetá Miss Sums Up Frustrating Night
Militão’s departure with a muscle injury compounded Brazil’s difficulties. But they were handed a lifeline in the 78th minute when Vitor Roque’s clever work earned another penalty.
Paquetá, only just introduced as a substitute, bizarrely took responsibility ahead of the in-form Estêvão. His effort sailed high over the crossbar, summing up Brazil’s wasteful evening.
Estêvão nearly won it late on. He appealed for a third penalty in the 89th minute after going down in the box, but the referee waved play on and VAR backed the decision. Moments later, the teenager rattled the post with a dangerous strike.
The match finished 1-1, giving each side one point instead of three. Both teams now turn their attention to upcoming fixtures, whilst Brazil face mounting questions about their readiness for next summer’s World Cup.
Ancelotti remains optimistic despite the underwhelming display. “We’re on the right track to reach our best level at the World Cup,” the former Real Madrid boss insisted. Tunisia have different characteristics – they defend with a very deep block. It’s much more difficult to find openings in this type of defence.”
With the tournament fast approaching, Brazil need to find answers quickly. Tuesday’s performance suggested they remain some distance from the form required to challenge for a sixth world title.
