Vinicius Junior’s early strike sealed Brazil’s place on the 2026 World Cup with a 1-0 win over Paraguay in Sao Paulo, marking a memorable residence debut for head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The former Real Madrid duo reunited in yellow to ship the essential end result, whereas Ecuador later booked its personal ticket with a scoreless draw at Peru.
Defending champion Argentina, already certified, remained unbeaten atop South American qualifying after a 1-1 draw with Colombia.
Brazil and Ecuador now sit degree on 25 factors, with Ecuador edging into second place primarily based on victories. Both groups path Argentina by 10 factors however stay greater than six factors away from seventh place with two matches remaining – sufficient to safe direct qualification.
The prime six groups in CONMEBOL qualify routinely for the expanded 48-team World Cup.
Chile will miss a 3rd consecutive World Cup after a 2-0 loss at Bolivia left it in final place within the 10-nation round-robin competitors – a end result that price head coach Ricardo Gareca his job.
Uruguay beat Venezuela 2-0 at residence with targets from Rodrigo Aguirre and Giorgian De Arrascaeta, inching nearer to a direct qualification spot with 24 factors.
Venezuela, with 18 factors, stays one forward of Bolivia within the race for seventh place, which grants an intercontinental playoff berth.
Lionel Messi had a quiet evening in Argentina’s draw with Colombia in Buenos Aires.
Luis Diaz opened the scoring for the guests within the twenty fourth minute. Enzo Fernandez was despatched off within the seventieth minute, to the frustration of greater than 80,000 followers at Monumental de Nunez Stadium.
Julian Alvarez equalized within the 81st with a low, angled shot.
Ancelotti confronted some criticism following Thursday’s 0-0 draw with Ecuador, as Brazil performed defensively all through. The Italian coach, who turned 66 on Tuesday, promised a extra aggressive strategy at Neo Quimica Arena.
He was welcomed by 46,000 followers, together with NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who displayed a tifo in yellow and inexperienced that learn, “Parabens, Carleto” (Portuguese for “Happy birthday, Carleto”).
Gabriel Martinelli changed midfielder Gerson and was among the many finest gamers on the sphere. Raphinha returned from suspension and often troubled Paraguay’s protection. Vinicius Junior operated as a central goal man, usually sharing that position with Matheus Cunha.
A Paraguay defensive error, adopted by a low cross from Cunha and a gentle end from Brazil’s new No. 10, produced the one aim.
“It is for you,” Vinicius advised Ancelotti in the course of the celebration.
Despite the low rating, the hosts had been much more aggressive than in earlier qualifiers.
“We needed to win here for our people. Now we have more time to work and see what we can improve,” Vinicius mentioned after the match. He will miss Brazil’s subsequent qualifier towards Chile because of suspension. “We need to celebrate this. After September, it’s all about the World Cup.”
After the ultimate whistle, a video clip exhibiting Ancelotti’s first days on the job performed on the stadium’s large screens. A raucous celebration erupted, as if the Italian coach had revived a workforce that three months in the past appeared misplaced and directionless.
Ancelotti mentioned the workforce remained balanced regardless of deploying 4 forwards. He added that Cunha’s position as playmaker might finally go to Neymar, if the veteran regains full health.
“It’s no problem to play with three or four up front. We need 10 players to run, to sacrifice,” Ancelotti mentioned. “Rodrygo did this many times – I know him well. And Neymar will also do it.”
Chile’s golden technology, which gained Copa America titles in 2015 and 2016, is now formally out of rivalry for the subsequent World Cup.
“Sad, I am feeling bad. Never lived something like this. We have to ask people to forgive us,” mentioned veteran Chile striker Alexis Sanchez. “We have to keep working. There’s change already. The golden generation is buried. I am the only one left.”
Bolivia scored within the fifth minute by way of Miguel Terceros and added a second within the ninetieth by way of Enzo Monteiro at 4,150-meter-high El Alto Stadium, simply exterior La Paz.
Gareca, the 67-year-old Argentine coach who led Peru to the 2018 World Cup, confirmed his resignation at a post-game news convention, ending a 17-match stint that included 4 wins, 4 attracts and 9 losses.
The South American qualifying marketing campaign wraps up in September. Uruguay and Paraguay every want one level to safe direct spots. Uruguay will face Peru and Chile; Paraguay will tackle Ecuador and Peru.
Colombia, presently sixth with 22 factors, will play Bolivia and Venezuela in must-win matches. Bolivia will chase its first World Cup look since 1994 towards Colombia after which Brazil. Venezuela will shut qualifying towards Argentina and Colombia.
Source: www.dailysabah.com