Carlo Ancelotti’s home debut as Brazil head coach was off to a great start as the Selecao defeated Paraguay 1-0 on Wednesday and qualified for the 2026 World Cup. Vinicius Jr scored the solitary goal in a result that also sent Ecuador through as well.
Ancelotti received some frustration from fans after Thursday’s 0-0 draw with Ecuador, as his team focused on defending the entire match. The Italian coach, who turned 66 Tuesday, promised changes to make his team more aggressive at the NeoQuimica Arena. Gabriel Martinelli replaced midfielder Gerson and was one of the best players of the encounter. Raphinha returned after suspension and created many problems for Paraguay’s defense. And Vinicius Júnior was often seen as a targetman, sharing the duties with Matheus Cunha.
A mistake by Paraguay’s defense, a low cross by Cunha and a gentle touch by Brazil’s new No. 10 produced the only goal of the match. Despite the low score, the hosts were much more aggressive than in most of its games in this World Cup qualifying campaign.
“We needed to win here for our people. Now we have more time to work, see what we can improve,” Vinicius said after the match. He won’t play Brazil’s next game in qualifying against Chile due to suspension. “We need to celebrate this. After September it is all about the World Cup.”
Meanwhile, defending champion Argentina, held to a 1-1 draw by Colombia, had already qualified for next year’s global tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Chile will miss a third consecutive World Cup after losing 2-0 at Bolivia to remain last in 10-nation round-robin competition, a result that cost head coach Ricardo Gareca his job.
Uruguay beat Venezuela at home 2-0, with goals from Rodrigo Aguirre and Giorgian de Arrascaeta, and edged closer to one of the six direct World Cup spots with 24 points.
Venezuela, with 18, is one ahead of Bolivia in the contest for seventh place that grants an intercontinental playoff berth.
Host nations (automatic qualification): United States, Mexico, Canada
From Asia: Japan, Iran, Jordan, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Australia
From Oceania: New Zealand
From South America: Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador
