Brazil, Ecuador Qualify for FIFA WC 2026; Uruguay, Paraguay & Colombia on Cusp

Vini Jr scored the winning goal as Brazil beat Paraguay 1-0 at the Neo Quimica Arena to secure FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification.

- AGENCIES

Vinicius Jr clinched Carlo Ancelotti his first win in their hot seat after fine work from Matheus Cunha.

Paraguay came into the game in the second half and, despite defeat, are an inch away from qualification, boasting a six-point advantage over Venezuela.

The victory was a special gift for Ancelotti, who turned 66 on Tuesday and was honoured by the Brazilian fans, before the start of the game, with an immense mosaic on the Neo Química seats, where it read in green and yellow "Congratulations, Carletto".

Ancelotti's first victory in charge of the Brazilian national team broke Paraguay's nine-game unbeaten run in the qualifiers. Brazil became the first team to beat Paraguay in 10 qualifiers. The Selecao have now lost just one of their last 70 World Cup qualifiers at home.

This was the third time that Brazil secured a spot in a World Cup while playing at the Neo Química Arena.