Vinicius Junior’s purpose sends Brazil to 2026 World Cup, delighting followers in Ancelotti’s dwelling debut

Brazil’s Vinicius Junior, heart, scores his aspect’s opening purpose in opposition to Paraguay throughout a World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match at Neo Quimica Enviornment in Sao Paulo, Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
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A purpose by Vinicius Júnior secured Brazil a spot within the 2026 World Cup, fairly a momentous dwelling debut for Carlo Ancelotti as head coach.

The as soon as prolific duo at Actual Madrid helped Brazil to a 1-0 win over Paraguay at Sao Paulo. Ecuador secured its place at subsequent 12 months’s world event later Tuesday (June 10, 2025) with a 0-0 draw at Peru.

Defending champion Argentina, held to a 1-1 draw by Colombia, had already certified and is assured of ending atop South American qualifying.

Ecuador and Brazil every have 25 factors within the standings, however the Ecuadorians are in second spot primarily based on victories. The 2 nations are 10 factors behind Argentina however, crucially, greater than six factors away from the seventh-place group with two video games remaining within the qualifying marketing campaign.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti after the sport in opposition to Paraguay in Sao Paulo
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The highest six groups in South America earn direct entries to the 48-team World Cup.

Chile misses out once more

Chile will miss a 3rd consecutive World Cup after dropping 2-0 at Bolivia to stay final in 10-nation round-robin competitors, a outcome that value head coach Ricardo Gareca his job.

Uruguay beat Venezuela at dwelling 2-0, with targets from Rodrigo Aguirre and Giorgian de Arrascaeta, and edged nearer to one of many direct spots with 24 factors.

Venezuela, with 18, is one forward of Bolivia within the contest for seventh place that grants an intercontinental playoff berth.

Argentina attracts with Colombia

Lionel Messi had a quiet night time in Argentina’s draw with Colombia in Buenos Aires. Luis Díaz opened the scoring for the guests within the twenty fourth minute. Enzo Fernandez was despatched off within the seventieth minute to the frustration of greater than 80,000 followers on the Monumental de Nunez Stadium.

However Julián Alvarez scored the equalizer within the 81st with a low crossed shot.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi, left, dribbles the ball adopted by Colombia’s Jefferson Lerma throughout a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup 2026 on the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
| Photograph Credit score:
AP

Ancelotti acquired some frustration from followers after Thursday’s 0-0 draw with Ecuador, as his group targeted on defending your complete match. The Italian coach, who turned 66 Tuesday, promised adjustments to make his group extra aggressive on the NeoQuimica Enviornment.

He was welcomed by 46,000 followers, together with NBA star Gianni Antetokounmpo, who displayed a tifo in yellow and inexperienced that learn “Parabens, Carleto” (Comfortable birthday, Carleto in Portuguese).

Gabriel Martinelli changed midfielder Gerson and was probably the greatest gamers of the encounter. Raphinha returned after suspension and created many issues for Paraguay’s protection. And Vinicius Júnior was usually seen as a targetman, sharing the duties with Matheus Cunha.

A mistake by Paraguay’s protection, a low cross by Cunha and a mild contact by Brazil’s new No. 10 produced the one purpose of the match. “It’s for you,” the striker advised the coach as he celebrated.

Regardless of the low rating, the hosts had been way more aggressive than in most of its video games on this World Cup qualifying marketing campaign.

“We would have liked to win right here for our individuals. Now we now have extra time to work, see what we are able to enhance,” Vinicius stated after the match. He received’t play Brazil’s subsequent sport in qualifying in opposition to Chile as a consequence of suspension. “We have to have fun this. After September, it’s all concerning the World Cup.”

Ancelotti will get heat welcome

After the ultimate whistle, a clip of Ancelotti’s first days on the job was proven in massive screens across the stadium. A raucous celebration erupted once more, as if the Italian coach had introduced new life to a group that solely three months in the past appeared misplaced and doomed.

He stated the group was balanced regardless of having 4 strikers. He additionally stated that Cunha’s function, as a playmaker, is the one he figures will probably be Neymar’s if the veteran totally recovers his health.

“It is no downside to play with three or 4 up entrance. We’d like 10 gamers to run, to sacrifice,” Ancelotti stated. “Rodrygo did this many occasions, I do know him effectively. And Neymar may also do it.”

Chile’s golden era received two Copa America titles — in 2015 and ’16 — however is out of rivalry for subsequent 12 months’s expanded 48-team event.

“Unhappy, I’m feeling dangerous. By no means lived one thing like this. Now we have to ask individuals to forgive us,” veteran Chile striker Alexis Sánchez stated. “Now we have to maintain working. There’s change already, the golden era is buried, I’m the one one left.”

Bolivia scored first by way of Miguel Terceros within the fifth minute and added a second within the ninetieth with Enzo Monteiro on the 4,150-meter excessive El Alto Stadium, exterior La Paz.

Gareca, the 67-year-old Argentinian coach who took Peru to the 2018 World Cup, advised a post-game information convention he was leaving the group after a 17-match stretch that included 4 wins, 4 attracts and 9 losses.

The South American qualifying event will end in September. Uruguay and Paraguay every want one level to safe their direct spots. The Uruguayans will face Peru and Chile. The Paraguayans will tackle Ecuador and Peru.

Colombia, in sixth place with 22 factors, will play for its World Cup future in opposition to Bolivia and Venezuela. Bolivia will search its first likelihood to play on the World Cup since 1994 in opposition to the Colombians after which Brazil. Venezuela’s rivals will probably be Argentina and Colombia.