Qualification sealed with authority
On Tuesday night (June 10), the Brazilian national team secured their early qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Paraguay 1-0 at the Neo Química Arena in São Paulo. The match’s only goal came from Vinícius Júnior in the 43rd minute of the first half, after an excellent play by Matheus Cunha. With this result, Brazil reached 25 points in the South American Qualifiers, ensuring a direct spot in the tournament. The win also marked Carlo Ancelotti’s first victory on Brazilian soil as national team manager on the very day of his 66th birthday.
🔎 First Half: Constant pressure and full Brazilian dominance
High pressing from the start
Brazil opened the match with high pressure and offensive intensity, forcing Paraguay into early mistakes in their buildup play. From the opening whistle, the midfield duo of Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães set the tempo with interceptions and precise distribution.
At 7 minutes, following a play down the right by Vini Jr, Raphinha received the ball and fired from outside the box but the weak shot was easily saved by Gatito Fernández.
Clear chances missed
By 11’, Brazil created a golden chance: Bruno Guimarães lofted a ball to Matheus Cunha, who delivered a low cross to Vinícius Júnior, unmarked in front of goal. However, the number 10 couldn’t reach it in time, and a great opportunity was wasted.
At 27’, it was Cunha again who missed: Martinelli sent in a perfect cross, and Cunha, unmarked, headed it toward goal but the ball lacked power and allowed an easy clearance by the defense.
Paraguay threatens in the air
Paraguay managed to balance the game between 28’ and 33’, mainly through aerial plays. Juan Cáceres had a clear shot inside the box after a flick from Alderete, but it missed wide. Alisson, though not often tested, remained composed and effective.
The winning goal
At 43’, after a mistake by Junior Alonso, Matheus Cunha pressed high, stole the ball, and sent a low cross to Vinícius Júnior, who made no mistake this time and finished first-time past the keeper: 1-0 Brazil.
🔁 Second Half: Brazilian control and defensive solidity
Game management and tactical changes
Brazil returned from the break unchanged, keeping possession and denying Paraguay any meaningful space. Vini Jr and Martinelli operated on the flanks, while Raphinha roamed centrally.
At 58 minutes, Bruno Guimarães almost extended the lead: what seemed like a cross turned into a goal-bound lob that beat Gatito but Cáceres cleared off the line. Moments later, Guimarães struck again from inside the box, forcing another difficult save from the Paraguayan goalkeeper.
Substitutions and offensive depth
Between 70 and 80 minutes, Ancelotti made several key substitutions, introducing fresh legs like Gerson, Vanderson, and others. These changes helped maintain offensive pressure while preserving starters such as Vini Jr, who was booked earlier and is now suspended for the next match.
Brazil created two more notable chances: at 82 minutes, Gerson fired from distance but saw his shot deflected. At 88 minutes, Bruno Guimarães dazzled Sández with a slick move and fired hard Gatito responded with another excellent save.
Paraguay fails to respond
Even after introducing Ávalos and Ángel Romero, Paraguay failed to build pressure. Their only dangerous moment came at 59 minutes (14 of the second half), when Sanabria capitalized on an Alex Sandro error, but Alisson was well positioned to make the save.
In the final minutes, Brazil calmly retained possession and closed out the match with composure.
📊 Impact on the South American Qualifiers Table
With this result, Brazil now has 25 points, officially qualified for the 2026 World Cup with two matches left.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team climbs to third place, behind Argentina and Uruguay.
Despite the loss, Paraguay remains in fifth, with 24 points, needing just one more result to likely secure qualification something they haven’t done since 2010.
🔍 Tactical Analysis: Brazilian evolution and Paraguayan limitations
Brazil: Coordinated pressing and tactical maturity
Paraguay: Defensive structure and lack of invention
🏅 Man of the Match: Vinícius Júnior.
Vini Jr was the most dynamic player on the field, creating multiple chances and scoring the only goal. His performance combined technical brilliance with tactical maturity. He was named Man of the Match by both CBF and Flashscore analytics.
🗓️ Upcoming Fixtures: Critical tests ahead
Brazil
- Next opponent: Chile
- Date: October 2025
- Venue: Santiago, Chile
Paraguay
- Next opponent: Peru
- Date: October 2025
- Venue: Asunción
🧠 Authoritative victory and mission accomplished
Under Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil showed clear signs of evolution especially in defense and mental resilience. The narrow 1-0 win over Paraguay not only sealed World Cup qualification but also demonstrated the team’s ability to manage games and deliver under pressure.
Meanwhile, Paraguay remains well positioned to qualify but will need to sharpen their attacking strategy in the final rounds.
