Brazil secured their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a narrow 1-0 victory over Paraguay in São Paulo on Wednesday, marking Carlo Ancelotti’s first win as head coach.
The Italian tactician, aiming to spark a turnaround following a lackluster 0-0 draw with Ecuador and a 1-0 loss in the reverse fixture against Paraguay, made three changes to his starting XI — including the recall of winger Raphinha. However, the Selecao continued to show signs of struggle in the final third.
Brazil’s only clear-cut chance in the first 30 minutes came when Vinícius Júnior failed to convert a low cross from Matheus Cunha.
The visitors nearly stunned the home crowd when Juan Cáceres unleashed a scissor kick that drifted just wide of Alisson’s post.
Gradually, Brazil tightened their grip on the match, but were denied a second goal thanks to two outstanding saves by Paraguay goalkeeper Carlos Fernandez — first denying Raphinha and then Bruno Guimarães.
Ultimately, one goal proved enough. The win marked Brazil’s second in six qualifying matches but was sufficient to punch their ticket to the 2026 World Cup — extending their unique record as the only nation to qualify for every edition since the tournament’s inception in 1930.
Paraguay, meanwhile, saw their ten-match unbeaten run in qualifiers come to an end. They now need just one point from their remaining two fixtures to secure a return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010.
Brazil joins Argentina and Ecuador as the first three South American teams to clinch qualification for the tournament, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer.
