Brazil secured their spot at the 2026 World Cup in North America with a narrow 1-0 win over Paraguay in São Paulo. The victory marked the first win under new coach Carlo Ancelotti and came on his 66th birthday. Vinicius Jr. scored the only goal just before halftime, converting a low cross from Manchester United’s Matheus Cunha.
Ancelotti praised the team’s “commitment” and “attitude,” noting a strong first-half performance despite a challenging second half against a resilient Paraguayan side.
Brazil’s win, combined with Uruguay’s earlier 2-0 victory over Venezuela, ensured their qualification. Paraguay, who needed just a draw to qualify, now sit on 24 points and require one more point to book their spot in the tournament.
Ecuador also clinched qualification after a goalless draw with Peru in Lima. Meanwhile, Uruguay moved closer to securing their place after goals from Rodrigo Aguirre and Giorgian de Arrascaeta earned them a 2-0 win over Venezuela in Montevideo. Uruguay now need only a single point from their final two matches.
Venezuela, still in the hunt for their first-ever World Cup appearance, are seventh in the table with 18 points from 16 games.
In Buenos Aires, already-qualified Argentina were held to a 1-1 draw by Colombia. Luis Diaz gave Colombia the lead with a stunning goal, and Argentina were reduced to 10 men after Enzo Fernandez was sent off. However, Thiago Almada equalized with a late goal to salvage a point.
Chile’s qualification hopes were officially ended following a 2-0 defeat to Bolivia, marking their third consecutive World Cup absence. It’s a major setback for a team that won back-to-back Copa America titles in 2015 and 2016.
