Brazil and Ecuador have officially qualified for the 2026 World Cup, securing the second and third of South America’s six automatic qualifying positions. This follows Argentina’s qualification back in March.

brazil secured a 1-0 victory against Paraguay, while Ecuador played to a 0-0 draw in Peru. Both teams now have 25 points with only two matches remaining, placing them beyond the reach of Venezuela, which currently sits in seventh place. Uruguay (24 points), Paraguay (24), and Colombia (22) currently hold the remaining automatic qualification spots with the final matches scheduled for September. Venezuela (18) would have an opportunity to compete in a playoff against a team from another confederation if they finish seventh.

In São Paulo, a goal scored by Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior in the first half secured a victorious home debut for Brazil’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti. Vinícius dedicated the goal to Ancelotti, his former manager at Real Madrid, during the celebration.

“I’m very happy with today’s result,” Vinícius stated. “We needed to win at home for our fans too and qualify for the World Cup which was our goal. Now [Ancelotti] will have more time to work, to see what he can improve.Today wasn’t one of our best games, but the critically important thing in qualifying is to win.”

The starting lineup included Vinícius, Gabriel Martinelli, Raphinha, and Matheus Cunha. Ancelotti commented that the team maintained balance despite fielding four forwards, noting that Cunha’s role as a playmaker could potentially be filled by Neymar once he fully recovers his fitness.

“It’s no problem to play with three or four up front,” Ancelotti said. “We need 10 players to run, to sacrifice. Rodrygo did this many times, I know him well. And Neymar will also do it.”

Following the game, footage of Ancelotti’s initial days in his new role was broadcast on the stadium’s big screens, sparking eager celebrations. This suggested that the Italian coach had revitalized a team that had seemed lost just three months prior. Ancelotti’s first match in charge resulted in a scoreless draw against peru the previous week.

Brazil has now extended its record as the only nation to participate in every World Cup tournament,with the five-time champions set to make their 23rd appearance at the upcoming event in the United States,Canada,and Mexico.

Ecuador Also Qualifies; Other South American Teams Vie for Spots

“I’m very happy with today’s result. We needed to win at home for our fans too and qualify for the World Cup which was our goal.”
– Vinícius

ecuador secured their qualification for their second consecutive World Cup by drawing against Peru. Despite playing the final 20 minutes with ten men after Alan Franco received