Brazil And Ecuador Qualify For 2026 World Cup

Brazil secured their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 1-0 triumph against Paraguay in São Paulo on Tuesday, marking Carlo Ancelotti’s inaugural victory as head coach of the five-time world champions.

The decisive moment arrived in the 44th minute when Vinicius Jr. scored from close range, converting a low cross delivered by Manchester United’s latest recruit, Matheus Cunha. The Real Madrid forward’s goal proved sufficient to decide a tightly contested qualifier at the Neo Química Arena.

The victory, coupled with Venezuela’s earlier defeat to Uruguay, guaranteed Brazil’s automatic qualification for the tournament, which will be held across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The result elevated Brazil to third place in the South American qualifying table with 25 points from 16 matches, ensuring a top-six position.

Ancelotti, who marked his 66th birthday with this pivotal win, commended his squad for their determination and composure.

“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,” said the Italian, who assumed the coaching role earlier this year.

Brazil’s prospects had appeared shaky earlier when Cunha squandered a golden chance, heading wide from close range in the 35th minute. However, he made amends shortly after by creating the match-winning goal with incisive combination play.

Paraguay, meanwhile, remain on the cusp of qualification with 24 points, requiring just one more point from their remaining games to secure their first World Cup appearance since 2010.

Elsewhere in South America, Ecuador became the second team of the evening to confirm their World Cup berth after playing out a goalless draw against Peru in Lima. The single point was enough to mathematically clinch qualification.

Uruguay strengthened their standing with a 2-0 victory over Venezuela in Montevideo. Goals from Rodrigo Aguirre and Giorgian de Arrascaeta brought Marcelo Bielsa’s side within one point of securing qualification.

Venezuela, aspiring to qualify for their first-ever World Cup, currently hold seventh place with 18 points, occupying the intercontinental playoff position.

In Buenos Aires, already-qualified Argentina settled for a 1-1 draw against Colombia. Luis Diaz put the visitors ahead with a fierce strike in the 24th minute, and the world champions were reduced to 10 men following Enzo Fernandez’s red card. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Argentina leveled the score through Thiago Almada in the 81st minute.

Chile’s qualification hopes ended in disappointment with a 2-0 loss to Bolivia, officially eliminating “La Roja” from contention. This marks the third consecutive World Cup cycle that the former Copa America champions have failed to qualify.

With only two rounds left in the South American qualifiers, the top six teams will earn direct entry to the 2026 finals, while the seventh-placed team will compete in an intercontinental playoff.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli