Match Preview
World Cup 2026 Qualifying Preview: Brazil vs Paraguay
Venue: Arena Corinthians, São Paulo
Date: Tuesday night | Matchday: 16
Brazil will aim to rediscover their rhythm in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying when they host a resurgent Paraguay side at Arena Corinthians, with both nations eyeing crucial points in the sprint to secure a place at the 2026 finals.
Brazil’s Current Form & Situation
Carlo Ancelotti’s first game in charge of the Selecao ended in frustration as his side were held to a goalless draw away to Ecuador — a result that extended Brazil’s winless run in qualifiers to two and left them clinging to fourth in the table. Having lost form over the last year, Brazil have managed just one win in their last five qualifying fixtures and remain vulnerable in the tightly packed standings.
Still, the Selecao are hard to beat at home. They have avoided defeat in their last four home matches (three wins), and four of their six total wins in this campaign have come on Brazilian soil. Now, Ancelotti's side needs a statement victory — both to rise back into the top two and to restore confidence ahead of a vital stretch.
Casemiro, back in the side after a long international absence, was among the few standouts in Ecuador and is expected to start again. Ancelotti may shake up the attack, with Antony and Matheus Cunha pushing for starting roles over Estevao and Richarlison. Eyes will also be on Vinicius Junior, who has managed only one goal so far in this qualifying series and remains under pressure to deliver.
Paraguay’s Rise Under Alfaro
Gustavo Alfaro has quietly engineered one of South America’s most impressive turnarounds. Paraguay come into this clash on a nine-game unbeaten run — a streak that includes five victories, the latest being a confident 2-0 win over Uruguay. Now sitting third in the table, two points ahead of Brazil, Paraguay are on the verge of qualification for their first World Cup since 2010.
Antonio Sanabria remains their top scorer with four goals in the campaign, but it was Julio Enciso who delivered last time out, scoring from the penalty spot late against Uruguay. The visitors have been solid defensively and dangerous on the break, and with a healthy squad traveling to São Paulo, they’ll be confident of frustrating Brazil once more.
A win for Paraguay — paired with a Venezuela defeat in Uruguay — could all but guarantee them a World Cup spot, so motivation will not be lacking.
What’s at Stake
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Brazil: A win could lift them to second in the table and relieve some of the growing tension around the national team and Ancelotti’s early reign.
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Paraguay: A result could bring them within touching distance of qualification and perhaps secure it outright depending on other results.
Prediction
Brazil will dominate possession, but Paraguay’s form, structure, and counter-attacking threat make them dangerous. The Selecao should edge this with home advantage and an improved showing, but it may not be comfortable.
Score Prediction: Brazil 2-1 Paraguay