SAO PAULO, Brazil: Brazil secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup in North America on Tuesday with a narrow 1-0 home win over Paraguay, marking Carlo Ancelotti’s first victory as head coach.
Brazil and Ecuador book World Cup berths with commanding performances
Brazil and Ecuador secured their spots for the 2026 World Cup following commanding performances in Tuesday’s South American qualifiers. Brazil secured a 1-0 win over Paraguay in Sao Paulo, marking the first victory under head coach Carlo Ancelotti. Meanwhile, Ecuador earned their place with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Peru in Lima, adding excitement to the qualification race.
As always, Brazil demonstrated resilience. The five-time world champions, who have never missed a World Cup, sealed the win through a 44th-minute goal by Vinicius Jr. He scored from close range following an excellent low cross from Manchester United’s recent signing, Matheus Cunha. Earlier, Cunha had squandered a prime opportunity in the 35th minute by heading wide from very close. Nevertheless, he made up for it by setting up the game-winning goal.
Momentum builds under Ancelotti
This win pushed Brazil into third place in the South American standings with 25 points from 16 games. Therefore, they’ve secured an automatic qualifying spot. Paraguay, with 24 points, need just one more point to reach their first World Cup since 2010. The Brazilian victory coincided with Uruguay’s 2-0 win over Venezuela, which also helped shape the standings significantly.
Importantly, Brazil Ecuador book World Cup qualifications while Uruguay remain just one point away from securing theirs. In Montevideo, Rodrigo Aguirre and Giorgian de Arrascaeta’s goals secured all three points for Uruguay. Consequently, Marcelo Bielsa’s team is well positioned for the 2026 World Cup finals.
Mixed fortunes for other contenders
Argentina, who had already qualified, drew 1-1 against Colombia in Buenos Aires. The Colombians took the lead through Luis Diaz in the 24th minute. Things got better for them after Enzo Fernandez received a red card. However, Argentina responded well. Thiago Almada scored a late equalizer, allowing both teams to earn a point each.
Elsewhere, Chile’s qualification hopes ended after a 2-0 loss to Bolivia. This marks the third consecutive World Cup they have missed. It’s a steep fall from their golden generation that won back-to-back Copa Americas in 2015 and 2016. Additionally, Venezuela is still vying for a playoff spot, sitting seventh with 18 points from 16 matches.
According to the qualification format, the top six South American teams earn automatic berths, while the seventh-placed side advances to an intercontinental playoff. To learn more, visit the official FIFA World Cup website visit the official FIFA World Cup website
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