After a less-than-thrilling start to his tenure as Brazil’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti will take charge of his first home game on Tuesday against Paraguay, potentially clinching a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
Brazil currently sits fourth in the standings, just one point ahead of sixth place Colombia but with enough of a lead to make missing out on the World Cup unlikely. The top six teams in South America’s qualifying tournament will automatically qualify, with the seventh place entering playoffs. Brazil is four points ahead of Venezuela, still with three matches remaining, and eight points ahead of Bolivia.
Tuesday presents a significant opportunity against Paraguay, who is two points ahead in third place. A Brazil win, combined with a Venezuela draw or loss, would secure qualification. Paraguay, for their part, can also reach the Cup with a draw or a win, aiming for their first World Cup since 2010.
Upcoming Match Details
- Date: Tuesday, June 10
- Time: 8:45 p.m. ET
- Location: Arena Corinthians – Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Live Stream: Fanatiz
- Odds: Brazil -280; Draw +350; Paraguay +750
Last Meeting
The last encounter between these two teams was in September at Asuncion, where Paraguay edged Brazil 1-0, courtesy of a goal from Diego Gomez.
Brazil’s Insights
Following a disappointing draw in Ecuador where they took just three shots, Ancelotti is likely to adjust the lineup. Raphinha, who missed the last game due to suspension, is expected to return, bringing much-needed mobility to the attack.
“We had the necessary time to prepare for both matches. The team is fresh, and we have all the tools to perform well,” Ancelotti stated.
Paraguay’s Perspective
Gustavo Alfaro, Paraguay’s head coach, doesn’t see added pressure on his team for this crucial match, underscoring Brazil’s greater need for a win. Paraguay is on an impressive nine-game unbeaten streak.
“These are the matches where we have everything to win and nothing to lose,” Alfaro explained.
Predicted Lineups
Brazil: Alisson, Vanderson, Marquinhos, Alexsandro, Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Gerson, Raphinha, Vinicius Junior.
Paraguay: Gatito Fernandez, Juan Jose Caceres, Gustavo Gomez, Junior Alonso, Miguel Almiron, Diego Gomez, Matías Galarza, Antonio Sanabria.
Key Player
Raphinha: Following a career-best season at Barcelona, this match is a chance for Raphinha to make a significant impact for Brazil.
Storyline to Watch
The result of Uruguay vs. Venezuela will heavily influence both Brazil and Paraguay’s pathways to World Cup qualification. If tied or lost, only one team may proceed. Brazil must secure a win, while Paraguay can advance with a win or a draw.
Prediction
If Ancelotti makes necessary adjustments, Brazil could perform better than in previous games, but the outcome remains uncertain. Expect a tight match, possibly concluding in a draw, with both teams leaving the field with hopes of confirming their World Cup positions later.
