Vinícius Júnior Sends Brazil to 2026 World Cup as Ancelotti Makes Triumphant Home Debut
- Victor Nwoko
- Jun 11
- 3 min read
Vinícius Júnior’s lone goal secured Brazil a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, capping Carlo Ancelotti’s home debut as head coach with a crucial 1-0 win over Paraguay at the NeoQuimica Arena in São Paulo. The victory marked a vital turnaround for the Seleção following recent struggles and a lackluster draw against Ecuador last week.
Brazil now sits level on 25 points with Ecuador in South American qualifying but ranks third due to fewer victories. Both nations trail already-qualified Argentina by 10 points but are more than six points ahead of the seventh-place team, ensuring their direct qualification with just two matches remaining.
The South American qualification campaign awards automatic World Cup spots to the top six teams, with the seventh-place team earning an intercontinental playoff berth.
Carlo Ancelotti, celebrating his 66th birthday, was welcomed by 46,000 fans, including NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who unveiled a tifo reading “Parabéns, Carleto” (Happy Birthday, Carleto). The match offered a much-needed display of offensive intent following criticism of Ancelotti’s overly defensive tactics in Brazil’s previous outing.
Vinícius Júnior, donning Brazil’s iconic No. 10 shirt, converted the match-winning goal after a defensive misstep by Paraguay. Matheus Cunha delivered a low cross that Vinícius gently tapped in. "It is for you," he told Ancelotti in celebration, highlighting a renewed team spirit. The forward later emphasized the importance of the win, noting, “We needed to win here for our people… After September, it is all about the World Cup.”
Despite the narrow margin, Brazil looked sharper and more aggressive. Gabriel Martinelli, replacing Gerson, was a standout performer, while Raphinha, returning from suspension, consistently troubled the Paraguayan defense. Cunha assumed a creative role, a position Ancelotti envisions for Neymar once fully fit. “It’s no problem to play with three or four up front. We need ten players to run, to sacrifice,” Ancelotti said, praising the balance within the squad.
Elsewhere, Ecuador clinched World Cup qualification with a 0-0 draw in Peru, while defending champion Argentina, already through, was held 1-1 by Colombia in Buenos Aires. Colombia’s Luis Díaz scored in the 24th minute before Argentina’s Julián Álvarez equalized in the 81st. Midfielder Enzo Fernández received a red card in the 70th, frustrating the 80,000 fans at Monumental de Núñez Stadium. Lionel Messi had a subdued performance.
Uruguay took a step closer to qualification after a 2-0 home victory over Venezuela, thanks to goals by Rodrigo Aguirre and Giorgian de Arrascaeta. With 24 points, Uruguay needs just one point from its final matches against Peru and Chile. Venezuela, with 18 points, remains in contention for the playoff spot.
Chile was officially eliminated from World Cup contention after a 2-0 loss to Bolivia in La Paz. Miguel Terceros and Enzo Monteiro scored for the hosts at the 4,150-meter high El Alto Stadium. The defeat cost Chile head coach Ricardo Gareca his job. Gareca, who led Peru to the 2018 World Cup, confirmed his departure after a 17-match tenure with four wins, four draws, and nine losses.
Veteran Chilean striker Alexis Sánchez reflected on the loss with sorrow. “Sad, I am feeling bad. Never lived something like this. We have to ask people to forgive us,” he said. “There’s change already—the golden generation is buried. I am the only one left.”
The South American qualifiers conclude in September. Paraguay and Uruguay each need one more point to guarantee their spots. Colombia, currently sixth with 22 points, must secure positive results against Bolivia and Venezuela to qualify. Bolivia and Venezuela both have slim hopes and must face top-tier rivals like Argentina and Brazil in their final matches.
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