Ancelotti Secures First Victory as Brazil Clinch World Cup Qualification

Brazil have secured their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a 1-0 victory over Paraguay in South American qualifying – a result that marks Carlo Ancelotti’s first win in charge of the Seleção.

The only goal of the match came in the second half, courtesy of Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior, who tapped in from close range after an impressive piece of play by Matheus Cunha, the Manchester United-bound attacking midfielder.

The win follows a goalless draw against Ecuador in Ancelotti’s managerial debut last week. With this result, Brazil maintain their flawless record of qualifying for every edition of the World Cup since its inception.

“We needed to win and qualify for the World Cup,” said Vinícius Júnior post-match. “Now the coach will have more time to work. Of course, today wasn’t one of our best performances, but the most important thing is always to win. Now it’s time to celebrate qualifying.”

Elsewhere in the qualifiers, reigning World Cup champions Argentina were held to an entertaining 1-1 draw by Colombia at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

Liverpool winger Luis Díaz opened the scoring for the visitors with a brilliant solo effort, weaving through three Argentine defenders before slotting past Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez.

Argentina’s task was made more difficult with 20 minutes remaining when Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández was shown a red card for a high-boot challenge on Colombia’s Kevin Castaño.

Nevertheless, Lionel Messi’s side found an equaliser nine minutes from time through Lyon midfielder Thiago Almada, ensuring they salvaged a point. The result leaves Colombia four points clear of seventh-placed Venezuela in the qualification standings.

Meanwhile, Ecuador became the latest South American side to confirm their place at next summer’s tournament – which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States – after playing out a goalless draw away to Peru.