KLIK SAJa - Brazil has a chance to climb up to second place in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign when they host Paraguay at Arena Corinthians on Matchday 16, Tuesday night local time.
Carlo Ancelotti's debut as Brazil’s head coach ended in disappointment, as the Selecao were held to a goalless draw by Ecuador in the CONMEBOL qualifiers, leaving the South American giants stuck in fourth place after Matchday 15.
That match saw Brazil once again struggle in attack, registering just three shots throughout the game—an underwhelming display from a team known for its attacking legacy. Meanwhile, Paraguay arrives in São Paulo two points clear of the five-time world champions.
Ancelotti’s debut garnered significant attention, but the Italian tactician failed to inspire his side to victory, with Brazil’s offensive bluntness once again on full display.
The result meant that Brazil could not bounce back from their humiliating 4-1 defeat to bitter rivals Argentina back in March and extended their winless run to two games in a row.
This marks the third time Brazil has gone two consecutive qualifiers without a win in this campaign.
They previously went four games without a victory from October to November 2023 (including three defeats), and followed that with back-to-back 1-1 draws against Venezuela and Uruguay in November 2024.
Although their qualification hopes for a record 23rd World Cup remain intact, just one win in their last five qualifiers raises long-term concerns for the Canarinho.
Still, with six wins from 15 matches heading into Ancelotti’s first home fixture, the fourth-placed Selecao remain a work in progress.
Notably, four of those six wins have come at home, where Brazil are unbeaten in their last four matches (three wins). They'll be looking to extend that streak at the expense of Paraguay.
On the other hand, Gustavo Julio Alfaro’s Paraguay side leapfrogged Brazil in the standings after a 2-0 win over Uruguay last week.
That victory stretched Los Guaraníes’ unbeaten run to nine games since September 2024, including five wins.
Now within striking distance of a return to the World Cup for the first time since their last appearance in South Africa 2010, Paraguay is brimming with confidence.
With three matches remaining, Paraguay sits on 24 points—two ahead of Brazil and six clear of seventh-placed Venezuela, who currently occupy the Inter-confederation playoff spot.
