Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil endured another frustrating night on Tuesday after being held to a 1-1 draw by Tunisia in a friendly match played in Lille, adding to growing concerns around their form ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The Selecao continued to struggle for momentum despite an early breakthrough from 18-year-old Estevao, whose composed penalty briefly steadied the team before Lucas Paqueta missed a late chance to secure victory from the spot.
Brazil, five-time world champions, have been navigating a difficult road toward next year’s tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Their inconsistent performances in South American qualifying left them in fifth place, and a recent 3-2 defeat to Japan only deepened questions about their readiness.
Ancelotti fielded a formidable lineup featuring four attacking players—Matheus Cunha, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes, and Estevao—signalling intent to dominate. Yet it was Tunisia who struck first midway through the opening half. A superbly weighted pass from Ali Abdi reached Hazem Mastouri, and the Dynamo Makhachkala forward calmly guided his finish past the advancing Brazil goalkeeper Bento to give the Tunisians an unexpected advantage.
Brazil found a lifeline shortly before the interval when VAR awarded a penalty for handball, disappointing the large Tunisian contingent inside the Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Estevao, who had also scored against Senegal just days earlier, confidently converted to bring Brazil level and record his fifth international goal.
The drama continued late in the match when Brazil earned another penalty with twelve minutes left. But instead of allowing Estevao to take it, substitute Paqueta stepped forward and sent his effort soaring over the bar, squandering Brazil’s best opportunity to seal the win. The Selecao appealed for a third spot-kick in the 89th minute after Estevao appeared to be fouled, but the referee maintained his initial decision to let play continue following another VAR review.
Across other international fixtures, Sadio Mane delivered a standout performance with a first-half hat-trick as Senegal demolished Kenya 8-0. African champions Ivory Coast responded to their recent defeat against Saudi Arabia by securing a 2-0 victory over Oman. Meanwhile, Algeria claimed a 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia with Riyad Mahrez finding the net, and Morocco eased to a 4-0 triumph over Uganda.
Uzbekistan, preparing for their first-ever World Cup next year, finished with ten men in a goalless draw against Iran after Manchester City’s Abdukodir Khusanov was sent off.
What you should know
Brazil’s continued inconsistency under Carlo Ancelotti has raised concerns ahead of the 2026 World Cup, despite their roster of talented attackers.
Estevao remains a bright spot with his rising goal tally, but missed opportunities, including Paqueta’s crucial penalty, highlight ongoing issues in converting dominance into results.
As other nations gain momentum in friendlies, Brazil still appears to be searching for the rhythm expected of a major contender.
