Ecuador Faces Brazil Without Its Captain in Crucial World Cup Qualifier

Ecuador will take on Brazil without its captain and all-time leading scorer, Enner Valencia. According to Olé, the forward suffered a grade 3 muscle tear while playing for Internacional and is expected to be sidelined for several weeks. His absence is a significant setback, both tactically and emotionally, for a national team that had begun to show promise under Sebastián Becaccece.

The injury list may grow longer. Gonzalo Plata, another key attacker, is also doubtful due to physical issues. With both players potentially out, Ecuador’s lineup against Brazil is likely to look quite different. Olé reports that the starting eleven could feature Galíndez in goal; Preciado, Torres, Pacho, Hincapié, and Estupiñán in defense; Caicedo and Franco in midfield; and a front three of Sarmiento, Rodríguez, and Vite.

Another notable shift is the venue. The match will be played at Estadio Monumental in Guayaquil, rather than the high-altitude setting of Quito. The decision reflects both logistical adjustments and a tactical rethink. Ecuador currently sits second in the table, riding a six-match unbeaten streak, but the absence of Valencia and possibly Plata will test the team’s depth and resolve.

Brazil, though in transition, remains a formidable opponent. For Ecuador, this isn't just a chance to earn points—it’s a moment to prove they can compete on equal footing, even without their most familiar names. Thursday’s game in Guayaquil could signal a new phase in the team’s evolution, or expose its lingering vulnerabilities.