Here's what you need to know before tuning in. Date: Thursday, Oct. 10 | Time: 8 p.m. ET

Two South American nations hoping to turn around long-term slumps clash in Santiago as Brazil, sitting a shocking fifth in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings, visit Chile.

The pressure is mounting for Brazil as they head to Santiago on Thursday night to face Chile in a crucial CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup qualifier. With their qualification campaign hanging in the balance, this match is a must-win for the Selecao, who are in danger of missing out on the World Cup for the first time in their storied history.

CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying gets back underway in what has been a topsy turvy run so far for South American teams through eight rounds of play. Lionel Messi will return for Argentina with the team still in first place during qualifying but Colombia and Uruguay are hot on their heels.

Brazilian head coach Dorival Júnior has handed a debut to Igor Jesus in a must-win game at the Estadio Nacional.

Two teams struggling through disappointing World Cup qualifying campaigns meet on Thursday when Chile hosts Brazil. For the home side, it will be the first game since a truly embarrassing result last month.

The CONMEBOL World Cup 2026 qualifier between Chile and Brazil will be played on Thursday, October 10, 2024. Kick-off at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago, Chile, is at 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT.

An 89th-minute goal by substitute Luiz Henrique gave Brazil a 2-1 away win over Chile on Thursday in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match. The win meant under-pressure Brazil coach Dorival Júnior's team will finish the ninth round of the round-robin competition in fourth place in South American qualifying.

Lionel Messi's Argentina drew Venezuela 1-1 in a South American World Cup qualifying match Thursday that was delayed for 30 minutes due to a wet pitch at Monumental Stadium in the Venezuelan city of Maturin.