If Paraguay maintains their form and Venezuela fails to beat Uruguay, the visitors could mathematically secure their ticket to the 2026 World Cup this week.
Veteran midfielder Casemiro made his return to the Brazil lineup after last playing in 2023, delivering a vintage performance against Ecuador. He is expected to retain his place in the starting eleven.
Although there were no injury concerns after the Ecuador match, Ancelotti might consider some changes, potentially handing starts to Antony and Matheus Cunha in place of Estevao Willian and Richarlison.
Vinícius Júnior has scored just once in the qualifiers—his goal coming in a dramatic 2-1 win over Colombia in March. The Real Madrid star, often under fire for his national team performances, will be hoping to silence critics with a decisive showing on home soil.
As for Paraguay, the squad emerged injury-free from their win over Uruguay, meaning Alfaro has a fully fit team heading into Tuesday’s clash.
Star forward Antonio Sanabria, who has netted four goals in qualifying, was held scoreless last match. However, winger Julio Enciso converted an 81st-minute penalty to score his third, and he now aims for a fourth goal in the campaign.
Predicted Brazil Starting XI:
Alisson; Vanderson, Marquinhos, Ribeiro, Sandro; Guimarães, Casemiro, Gerson; Antony, Cunha, Vinícius
Predicted Paraguay Starting XI:
Fernandez; Cáceres, G. Gómez, Alderete, Alonso; D. Gómez, Cubas, Galarza, Enciso; Almirón, Sanabria