Brazil secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a 1-0 win over Paraguay in South American qualifying, earning Carlo Ancelotti his first victory as national team manager.
Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr scored the decisive goal in the second half, tapping in after excellent work from Manchester United-bound midfielder Matheus Cunha. The win follows Brazil’s goalless draw against Ecuador in Ancelotti’s debut last week and ensures the five-time world champions maintain their record of qualifying for every World Cup.
“We needed to win and qualify for the World Cup,” said Vinicius Jr after the match. “Now the coach will have more time to work. Today may not have been our best performance, but the important thing is always to win. Now it’s time to celebrate qualifying.”
Argentina Held by Colombia in Thrilling Draw
Meanwhile, World Cup holders Argentina played out an entertaining 1-1 draw with Colombia in Buenos Aires. Liverpool winger Luis Diaz opened the scoring with a brilliant solo effort, weaving past three defenders before slotting past Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Argentina’s task was made more difficult when Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez was shown a red card for a high challenge on Colombia’s Kevin Castano with 20 minutes left. However, Lionel Messi’s side salvaged a point when Lyon midfielder Thiago Almada struck an equaliser nine minutes from time.
The result leaves Colombia comfortably ahead of seventh-placed Venezuela in the race for qualification.
Ecuador Also Secure Qualification
Elsewhere, Ecuador joined Brazil and Argentina in securing their place at next year’s tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, after playing out a 0-0 draw away to Peru.
