Paraguay defeated the ‘Canarinhos’ 1-0 in Asuncion on Tuesday to end Brazil’s run of eight straight losses in the South American 2026 World Cup qualification tournament.
In the 20th minute, Diego Gómez, Lionel Messi’s teammate from Argentina at Inter Miami, produced a spectacular “trivela” that decided the game. His long-range effort slid past goalkeeper Alisson and struck the right post.
Following a goalless draw with Uruguay just four days prior, Gustavo Alfaro—who coached Costa Rica to victory in the most recent Copa América—has now led the Paraguay national team to two triumphs in his two games as head coach.
However, after four victories and five draws, Brazil suffered their first loss under coach Dorival Júnior. This was their fourth loss in these qualifiers, having previously lost at home to Uruguay (2-0), Colombia (2-1), and Argentina (0-1).
Wendell of Porto stayed on the bench for Brazil, who began with three attackers from Real Madrid: Rodrygo, Vinicius Júnior, and recruit Endrick.
The “Canarinha,” the only team to have won the World Cup five times and appeared in every tournament, finished with 10 points, falling to fifth position and being surpassed by Ecuador (fourth place), who had 11 points.
Venezuela, which came in sixth place, and Paraguay and Bolivia, which came in seventh and eighth place, respectively, were tied on points as well. Seventh-place teams go into a playoff, while the top six teams go to the World Cup.
Featuring Telasco Segovia until the 59th minute, the Venezuelan team managed to hold Uruguay to a goalless draw at home. Maximiliano Araújo of Sporting de Uruguay started the first half, while fellow “lion” Franco Israel was on the sidelines.
Meanwhile, Carmelo Algaranaz’s goal in the 13th minute and Miguel Terceros’ goal at 45+1 helped Bolivia defeat Chile 2-1, their first away victory in the qualifying round in 31 years.
Eduardo Vargas scored Chile’s goal in the 39th minute by capitalizing on a brief injury sustained by goalie Carlos Lampe, who was eventually replaced. With just five points, Chile is still in ninth place, one point ahead of Peru with three.
Ecuador triumphed 1-0 thanks to a strike from Enner Valencia in the 54th minute, and Peru was defeated. The locals’ starter, John Mercado from AVS, left the field in the 59th minute.
After defeating leaders Argentina, who now have 18 points, 2-1 in Barranquilla, Colombia moved up to second place in the standings with 16 points, over Uruguay, which is now at 15. Argentina is now the only side without a loss.
After losses to Uruguay in 2023 and Saudi Arabia in 2022, Argentina has only lost three of their previous 64 games. During these five years, they have won four trophies.
