Brazil secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday with a narrow 1-0 victory over Paraguay in São Paulo, marking the first win under new head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. scored the decisive goal in the 44th minute, finishing off a low cross from Manchester United’s Matheus Cunha. The result confirmed Brazil’s place at the tournament set to be hosted across Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
The match served as a perfect birthday present for Ancelotti, who turned 66. The Italian tactician praised his team’s performance, particularly in the first half.
“It was a good match with a very good first half, although obviously we suffered a bit because Paraguay are very solid opponents and we slowed down a bit in the second,” Ancelotti said.
Brazil’s qualification was also influenced by Uruguay’s earlier 2-0 win over Venezuela, which meant Brazil only needed a win to confirm their spot. Paraguay, on the other hand, needed just a draw.
Vinicius’ goal came after Brazil struggled to create chances for much of the first half. Cunha had missed a close-range header in the 35th minute but redeemed himself with his assist for the only goal of the game.
The victory pushed Brazil into third place in the CONMEBOL standings with 25 points from 16 games, ensuring a top-six finish and automatic qualification.
Speaking on future plans, Ancelotti revealed he is considering a pool of about 70 players, including Neymar, who missed the match due to injury.
“I really liked those who were with me in this squad for their commitment, their attitude, and the atmosphere,” he said.
Meanwhile, Paraguay remained on 24 points and now require just one more point from their final matches to return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010.
Ecuador Also Through
Elsewhere, Ecuador became the second South American team on the night to book a World Cup berth, following a goalless draw against Peru in Lima. The result gave Ecuador the crucial point needed to seal qualification.
Uruguay Close In, Chile Crash Out
Uruguay bolstered their qualification hopes with a 2-0 win over Venezuela in Montevideo, thanks to goals from Rodrigo Aguirre and Giorgian de Arrascaeta. The victory means the two-time world champions need just one more point from their remaining two games.
Venezuela, seeking their first-ever World Cup appearance, now sit seventh with 18 points from 16 matches.
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, who have already qualified, were held to a 1-1 draw by Colombia. Luis Díaz opened scoring for Colombia with a 24th-minute strike. The visitors gained a man advantage midway through the second half following the dismissal of Argentina’s Enzo Fernández. However, Thiago Almada salvaged a point for the world champions with a late equaliser.
Bolivia stunned Chile with a 2-0 win, ending Chile’s hopes of making the World Cup. This marks the third consecutive tournament the former Copa América champions have missed.
The top six teams in the South American qualifying standings automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup, while the seventh-placed team will advance to an intercontinental playoff.
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