Brazil qualified for the World Cup after beating Paraguay 1–0
The Brazilian national team has secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup, to be played in Mexico, Canada, and the US. On Tuesday night (Jun. 10), Brazil beat Paraguay 1–0 in Itaquera, São Paulo. It was the Brazilians’ first win under Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The home win took the Brazilian national team to the third place in the standings, with 25 points in the South American qualifiers for the World Cup. As a result, Brazil can no longer be excluded from the qualification zone for the next World Cup, with only two rounds of the knockout phase remaining.
After a frustrating goalless draw with Ecuador in the match that marked his debut in charge of the Brazilian national team, Carlo Ancelotti opted for a different plan against the Paraguayans. For a match with fans guaranteed to back him, and against an opponent known for its defensive strength, the coach decided on a daring formation, with Brazil starting with just two midfielders and four players up front.
His choice proved wise, and Brazil took control from the first minutes of the first half, harrying the Paraguayan team and creating good scoring opportunities. The team scored the winner 43 minutes into the first half. Matheus Cunha came on at speed, stole the ball, got to the by-line, and ed it to Vinicius Júnior, who just had to tap it in.
