Brazil vs Paraguay 1-0: Vinicius Junior scores first goal of Carlo Ancelotti era as Brazil qualifies for World Cup 2026, making history
Brazil qualified for the 2026 World Cup with a 1-0 victory over Paraguay on Tuesday night in São Paulo, marking a significant milestone for both the team and their new manager, Carlo Ancelotti.
The win was Ancelotti's first as Brazil's head coach, following a 0-0 draw against Ecuador in his debut match last Thursday.
Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior scored the decisive goal in the second half, ensuring Brazil's place in next year's tournament.
"I'm very happy with today's result," Vinícius said after the match.
"We needed to win at home for our fans and qualify for the World Cup, which was our goal. Now [Ancelotti] will have more time to work and see what he can improve. Today wasn't one of our best games, but the important thing in qualifying is to win and prepare well for the World Cup."
With only two rounds remaining in the CONMEBOL qualifiers, Brazil now sits on 25 points, securing one of the six automatic spots for South American teams in the 2026 World Cup.
The tournament, set to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will be Brazil's 23rd World Cup appearance.
This victory marks a historic achievement for Brazil, who have never failed to qualify for a World Cup since the inaugural tournament in 1930.
They remain the only nation to have participated in every edition of the global competition.
Argentina and Ecuador are the other South American teams to have secured spots in the 2026 World Cup, with Brazil's qualification ensuring that the five-time champions will continue their streak of consistent success on the world's biggest football stage.
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