SAO PAULO — A decisive goal from Vinicius Junior secured Brazil a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a triumphant home debut for new head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Brazil edged Paraguay 1-0 on Tuesday night at the Neo Química Arena in São Paulo. The win pushed Brazil to 25 points in the South American qualifiers, ensuring its qualification for the expanded 48-team tournament. Ecuador also qualified after a 0-0 draw with Peru.
Defending champions Argentina had already booked their place and remain top of the South American standings, now with a guaranteed finish at the summit after a 1-1 draw against Colombia in Buenos Aires.
Brazil and Ecuador are tied on 25 points, though Ecuador holds second place based on the number of victories. Both teams have secured a gap of more than six points over the seventh-place team with only two rounds left, confirming their places in the top six—the cut-off for automatic World Cup qualification from the region.
In other matches, Uruguay strengthened its grip on a direct qualifying spot with a 2-0 home win over Venezuela, thanks to goals from Rodrigo Aguirre and Giorgian de Arrascaeta. Uruguay now sits just behind Brazil and Ecuador with 24 points. Venezuela remains in playoff contention with 18 points, holding a narrow edge over Bolivia.
Chile’s fading hopes came to an end after a 2-0 loss to Bolivia at the high-altitude El Alto Stadium. The defeat ensured Chile will miss a third consecutive World Cup and led to the dismissal of head coach Ricardo Gareca. Bolivia’s goals came from Miguel Terceros in the fifth minute and Enzo Monteiro in the 90th.
In Buenos Aires, Colombia took the lead in the 24th minute through Luis Díaz. Enzo Fernández was shown a red card in the 70th, frustrating the 80,000 fans at the Monumental de Núñez. But Argentina salvaged a draw with a late equalizer from Julián Álvarez in the 81st minute.
Vinicius Junior’s goal came after a defensive lapse by Paraguay, set up by a low cross from Matheus Cunha. It was the only goal of the night but a crucial one, signaling a more aggressive Brazil compared to earlier matches in the campaign. Ancelotti had faced criticism following a 0-0 draw with Ecuador, but his tactical adjustments paid off.
Gabriel Martinelli started in place of Gerson and stood out with a strong performance. Raphinha returned from suspension and created multiple threats. Vinicius, wearing the No. 10 shirt, shared the attack with Cunha and often acted as a target-man.
