Brazil secured their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a narrow 1-0 victory over Paraguay in a tense qualifier at the Neo Quimica Arena in Sao Paulo. A first-half strike from Vinicius Junior proved decisive as the Selecao ensured their passage to next year’s global tournament.
Match Highlights
- 44’ GOAL (BRA 1-0 PAR): Vinicius Junior redeemed himself after an earlier miss, tapping in a cross from Matheus Cunha just before halftime.
- Defensive Resilience: Paraguay struggled to break down Brazil’s defense, with Alisson rarely tested.
- Late Drama: Bruno Guimarães nearly doubled Brazil’s lead late on, but Paraguay’s goalkeeper Roberto Fernandez made a crucial save.
Key Moments
- 12’ – Big Miss: Vinicius failed to convert a golden chance early on, scuffing his effort from close range.
- 28’ – Yellow Card: Vinicius was booked for a reckless challenge, ruling him out of Brazil’s next qualifier.
- 89’ – Last-Ditch Save: Fernandez denied Guimarães to keep Paraguay in the game, but the visitors couldn’t find an equalizer.
What This Means
With this win, Brazil officially qualifies for the 2026 World Cup, marking a successful home debut for new coach Carlo Ancelotti. Paraguay, meanwhile, faces an uphill battle to secure their own qualification.
Post-Match Reactions
- Ancelotti: “We controlled the game well. Vinicius showed his quality, and the team defended strongly. Now, we focus on preparing for the World Cup.”
- Vinicius Junior: “I missed a chance early but stayed focused. Scoring the winner feels amazing, and I’m proud to help Brazil qualify.”
Upcoming Fixtures
Brazil will look to build momentum in their remaining qualifiers, while Paraguay must regroup quickly to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
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