Brazil Secures 2026 World Cup Spot with Win Over Paraguay
Brazil booked their place at the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday after a 1-0 victory against Paraguay in São Paulo. Vinicius Jr., the Real Madrid star, scored the decisive goal just before halftime, making it a winning home debut for Brazil’s new coach Carlo Ancelotti.
With this win, Brazil moved to 25 points in the South American qualifiers, securing the second automatic qualification spot behind already-qualified Argentina. The five-time World Cup champions continue their record as the only team to have played in every World Cup and will make their 23rd appearance in next year’s tournament across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Ecuador Qualifies for Second Consecutive World Cup
Ecuador also sealed their qualification on Tuesday with a 0-0 draw against Peru. Despite being pinned back for the final 20 minutes after midfielder Alan Franco received a second yellow card, Ecuador held firm to secure the crucial point.
With 25 points, Ecuador claimed the third automatic qualifying spot and ended Peru’s hopes of making the tournament, leaving the hosts six points behind seventh-placed Venezuela.
Other Qualifying Updates
- Uruguay edged closer to qualification with a 2-0 home win over Venezuela, breaking a four-match winless streak in the qualifiers. Goals from Rodrigo Aguirre and Giorgian De Arrascaeta put Uruguay in a strong position, needing just one point from their last two matches against Peru and Chile to guarantee a spot or at least an inter-confederation playoff.
- Argentina, already qualified, drew 1-1 with Colombia, avoiding back-to-back losses to Nestor Lorenzo’s side.
- Chile’s chances ended with a 2-0 defeat to Bolivia, prompting coach Ricardo Gareca to resign after the match.
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