Brazil boss Dorival Junior's first tournament in charge of the national team was a disappointment, as his side were knocked out in the quarter-finals of the Copa America in the USA.

The Selecao won just one of their three group matches (D2), meaning they had to settle for second place and a tough quarter-final against Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay, who kept their cool from the spot to see off Brazil on penalties.

Despite presiding over an underwhelming tournament, Dorival can take solace in the fact that he has not lost in regulation time in any of his eight games in charge, giving him something to build on in his first two qualifiers as Brazil coach.

The five-time World Cup winners may see qualification as a formality, but they still have work to do after winning two, drawing one and losing three of their first six qualifiers.

They started their campaign with a win and a draw against Venezuela before three defeats to Uruguay, Colombia and Argentina stopped them in their tracks.

Brazil will be confident of taking something away from Friday's clash with Ecuador, having avoided defeat in each of their last 12 head-to-head encounters.

Like Brazil, Ecuador suffered a penalty shootout disappointment in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Copa America.

After finishing second in their group, La Tri held Argentina to a 1-1 draw before losing 4-2 on penalties.

Having had a few months to reflect on their second successive quarter-final exit, Ecuador will now turn their attention back to qualifying for the World Cup, where they will be hoping to reach back-to-back finals.

Felix Sanchez left his post after Ecuador's Copa America exit and was replaced by former Elche boss Sebastian Beccacece.

Beccacece takes over a team that is on a five-match unbeaten run in World Cup qualifying and sits one place above Brazil, despite being docked three points for fielding an ineligible player in the last qualifying round.

La Tri have not beaten Brazil since November 2004, but will take confidence from the fact that they have avoided defeat in their last two meetings with the Selecao.

Brazil possible starting lineup:

Alisson; Danilo, Militao, Gabriel, Arana; Andre, Guimaraes, Paqueta; Rodrygo, Vinicius, Endrick

Ecuador possible starting lineup:

Galindez; Preciado, Hincapie, Pacho, Estupinan; Caicedo, Franco, Gruezo; Paez, Sarmiento, Valencia

Prediction:Brazil 2-1 Ecuador

Brazil VS Ecuador stream and TV listing

International：Holasports