World Cup 2026: Early setbacks raise doubts over South Americas prospects

South American teams have endured a difficult start to the 2026 World Cup, with two defeats and a draw raising early questions about how CONMEBOL sides stack up against rivals from other confederations. Ecuador opened its campaign against Ivory Coast on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The side, coached by Argentine Sebastin Beccacece, suffered a 1-0 defeat after Manchester United winger Amad Diallo struck in the closing moments. The scoreline was harsh on La Tri, which produced one of its better performances in recent months. Ecuador hit the woodwork twice in the first half through Alan Minda and John Yeboah, while the Ivorians were denied by the post after the break. Just as the match appeared destined for a draw, defender Wilfried Singo surged forward on the right flank and delivered a low cross for Diallo, who converted in the final minute of regulation to end Ecuador’s 19-match unbeaten run. The result leaves Ecuador facing an uphill battle in Group E. Germany which defeated Curaao 7-1 in its first match is widely expected to top the group, making the race for second place crucial.  Defeat means Ecuador can ill afford another setback and may need favorable results elsewhere to keep its knockout-stage hopes firmly in its own hands. Ecuador’s next match is against Curaao at Kansas City Stadium on June 20. On the same day, Ivory Coast will take on Germany at Toronto Stadium in a fixture that could have significant implications for the group standings. Brazil struggles in opener After Paraguay’s heavy defeat to the United States, Brazil became the second CONMEBOL side to begin its World Cup campaign. The Seleo, now coached by veteran Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti, faced 2022 World Cup semifinalists Morocco at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Friday. Playing without Neymar, who remains sidelined with a calf injury, Brazil struggled to impose itself early on. Morocco started brightly and was rewarded in the 21st minute when midfielder Ismael Saibari lofted the ball over goalkeeper Alisson after a well-worked attacking move. The North Africans looked in control for long stretches, but Brazil’s quality in the final third proved decisive. In the 32nd minute, Real Madrid star Vincius Jnior collected the ball on the edge of the area, created space for himself, and curled a superb strike into the top corner to level the score. Ancelotti’s halftime adjustments gave Brazil greater control of possession after the break, but neither side was able to find a winner as the match ended 1-1. The draw leaves Group C finely balanced ahead of the second round of fixtures. Brazil will face Haiti on June 19, while Morocco takes on Scotland in a match that could prove crucial in the battle for a place in the knockout stage. Other results So far, in Group A, we saw Mexico beat South Africa, while South Korea has defeated the Czech Republic 21. Group B saw Canada tie 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Qatar drew 1-1 against Switzerland.  In Group C, Scotland defeated Haiti 1-0 thanks to a goal by John McGinn, leaving them as leaders thanks to Brazils draw with Morocco. Group D action was headlined by Australia’s surprise 2-0 win over Turkey, with a solid team performance, sharing the top spot with the U.S. Group E saw the biggest rout of the tournament with Germanys 7-1 victory over Curaao, highlighted by a brace from Kai Havertz, and Ecuadors tough defeat to the Ivory Coast.  Finally, Group F featured two highly intense matches, notably the 2-2 draw between the Netherlands and Japan and Swedens decisive 5-1 victory over Tunisia in Monterrey. Attention now turns to Uruguay and Argentina, the next CONMEBOL sides to enter the tournament. Uruguay faces Saudi Arabia on Monday, while reigning champions Argentina begin their title defense against Algeria on Tuesday. Cover image: Seleccin Ecuatoriana de Ftbol X