- Brazil beat Paraguay 1–0 to qualify for the World Cup
- Vinicius Junior scored the only goal and celebrated with Ancelotti
- Brazil climbed to third place in the South American standings
Key Takeaways:
Brazil secured their place at next year’s World Cup with a narrow 1:0 win over Paraguay. Vinicius Junior scored the only goal in the 44th minute and delivered the first victory for Selecao under new head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The match in Sao Paulo was not a spectacle, but the Brazilians got the job done and climbed to third place in the standings of the South American qualifiers. The five-time world champions now have 25 points, the same as second-placed Ecuador, while Paraguay remain on 24 and drop to fifth position.
Vini Jr scores. Brazil qualifies.
✅ World Cup ticket secured.
🔥 Vini continues to deliver on the biggest stages.Catch @vinijr with @realmadrid in the @FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld pic.twitter.com/NfuKAfigLR
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 11, 2025
Vinicius and Raphinha immediately put the visitors’ defence under serious pressure after the opening whistle. The Brazilians easily moved through the middle of the pitch but lacked precision with their crosses. Clear chances in front of the Paraguayan goal were few, and they came close to reaching halftime with a goalless draw.
In the 44th minute, Cunha whipped in a sharp cross from the byline and Vinicius slotted the ball into the net for 1:0. It was just the striker’s seventh goal for the national team, and he celebrated it by hugging Ancelotti.
Brazil controlled the match in the second half, while the visitors could not find a way to create anything meaningful in front of Alisson’s goal. In the 77th minute, Roberto Fernandez denied Raphinha a second goal for Selecao, and in the dying moments of the game, the keeper also saved a shot from Bruno Guimaraes.
Brazil is the only country that has never missed a single World Cup. Paraguay also maintain strong chances of qualifying for next year’s tournament. In their last two matches, Gustavo Alfaro’s side will host Ecuador and visit Peru.