Brazil officially booked their place at the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a crucial 1-0 victory over Paraguay, marking Carlo Ancelotti’s first win as manager of the national team. The South American giants, who have now qualified for every edition of the tournament, sealed their qualification through a second-half strike from Vinicius Jr, assisted by Matheus Cunha.
This South American World Cup qualifier not only ensured Brazil’s ticket to the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, but also lifted pressure off Ancelotti after a goalless debut draw against Ecuador.
Vinicius Jr Breaks the Deadlock for Brazil
In a tightly contested match, Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr emerged as Brazil’s hero. His clinical finish in the second half followed a dynamic run and assist from Manchester United-bound playmaker Matheus Cunha. The goal was Vinicius Jr’s reward for consistent pressure and aggressive attacking play that kept Paraguay’s defense on the back foot.
We needed to win and qualify for the World Cup,” said Vinicius Jr post-match. “Today wasn’t one of our best performances, but winning was the priority. Now it’s time to celebrate qualifying and give the coach more time to develop the team.
Carlo Ancelotti Celebrates First Brazil Victory
Carlo Ancelotti, appointed as Brazil’s head coach in 2025, earned his maiden win with this result. After a frustrating 0-0 stalemate against Ecuador in his first game, this victory was essential for morale and momentum. The Italian tactician emphasized the importance of early qualification to allow better squad planning and tactical development.
Match Overview: Brazil vs Paraguay
| Key Stats | Brazil | Paraguay |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 1 | 0 |
| Goal Scorer | Vinicius Jr (BRA) | – |
| Assist | Matheus Cunha | – |
| Shots on Target | 5 | 2 |
| Possession (%) | 63 | 37 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 3 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Fouls Committed | 11 | 14 |
Argentina Held by Colombia in Buenos Aires
Elsewhere, in a highly anticipated clash that saw two South American giants lock horns, reigning World Cup champions Argentina were held to a captivating 1-1 draw by Colombia in an action-packed match in Buenos Aires. The Estadio Monumental buzzed with an electric atmosphere, a sea of Albiceleste faithful eager to witness their heroes in action.
However, it was Colombia who drew first blood, thanks to a moment of sheer brilliance from Luis Diaz. Liverpool’s electric winger, known for his blistering pace and mesmerizing dribbling, opened the scoring with a truly dazzling solo effort. Picking up the ball just inside the Argentine half, Diaz embarked on a mazy run, weaving effortlessly past three bewildered defenders who seemed to have no answer to his quick feet and deceptive turns. With the crowd silenced in awe, he then calmly slotted the ball home past a diving Emiliano MartÃnez, sending the Colombian bench into raptures and stunning the home supporters. The goal was a testament to his individual quality and a stark reminder of the attacking prowess Colombia possessed.
Argentina’s hopes of a comeback were dented when Enzo Fernandez received a red card for a high-boot challenge on Kevin Castano with 20 minutes left. However, Thiago Almada salvaged a point for the hosts with a late equalizer.
The draw leaves Colombia in a strong qualifying position, sitting four points ahead of Venezuela, who are in seventh place and just outside the qualification zone.
Ecuador Also Secures World Cup 2026 Berth
In other South American qualifying action, Ecuador confirmed their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 0-0 draw against Peru. The stalemate was enough for Ecuador to mathematically guarantee qualification, joining Brazil and Argentina in the tournament.
2026 FIFA World Cup South American Qualifier Table Snapshot
| Position | Team | Points |
| 1 | Brazil | 28 |
| 2 | Argentina | 26 |
| 3 | Ecuador | 23 |
| 4 | Colombia | 21 |
| 5 | Uruguay | 19 |
| 6 | Chile | 17 |
| 7 | Venezuela | 17 |
Conclusion: Brazil March Toward World Cup 2026 with Confidence
With Brazil’s qualification now confirmed, Carlo Ancelotti can focus on fine-tuning the squad and tactics in preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The win over Paraguay—powered by Vinicius Jr’s goal and Matheus Cunha’s creativity—is a vital confidence boost for the Seleção.
As South America’s top teams continue to battle for qualification, Brazil sets the tone with consistency and star-studded performances, making them one of the early favorites for the global tournament next year.
