Brazil vs Paraguay 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification

Brazil vs Paraguay are set to clash in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. With both teams fighting for a direct qualification spot, this match carries immense significance. Brazil, under Carlo Ancelotti, is looking to solidify its position in the CONMEBOL standings, while Paraguay, led by Gustavo Alfaro, aims to pull off an upset at home.

Brazil currently sits fourth in the standings with 21 points, while Paraguay is fifth with the same tally but trailing on goal difference. A win here could be decisive for both teams as they approach the final stretch of qualifiers.

On September 11, 2024, Paraguay secured a 1–0 victory over Brazil in a 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL qualifier held at Estadio Defensores del Chaco in Asunción. The decisive goal came in the 20th minute from Diego Gómez, whose powerful shot from outside the box struck the post before beating goalkeeper Alisson.

Brazil struggled throughout the match, failing to register a shot on target in the first half and managing only three in total—all from Vinícius Júnior. This defeat marked Brazil’s fourth loss in five qualifiers, placing them fifth in the standings and intensifying concerns about their World Cup qualification prospects.

Brazil vs Paraguay 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier – Match Preview, Lineups & How to Watch

Catch all the action as Brazil faces Paraguay in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on June 10, 2025, at Arena BRB Mané Garrincha, Brasília. Get match details, team news, head-to-head stats, and live streaming info for USA & Canada.

Brazil’s Approach – Carlo Ancelotti’s Squad Selection

Carlo Ancelotti has made key selections to reinforce Brazil’s attack and midfield. Young talents such as Estevão (Palmeiras), Andrey Santos (Strasbourg), and Luis Henrique (Zenit) have been included in the squad to add pace and creativity.

Brazil is expected to play with an aggressive attacking system, focusing on quick transitions and high-pressure tactics. With players like Vinícius Jr. and Rodrygo, Ancelotti’s squad aims to exploit Paraguay’s defensive structure through pace and fluid passing.

Paraguay’s Defensive Strategy – Gustavo Alfaro’s Plan

Gustavo Alfaro is likely to set up Paraguay with a compact defensive structure, aiming to contain Brazil’s attacking threats. Gustavo Gómez (Palmeiras) and Junior Alonso (Spartak Moscow) will be crucial in maintaining Paraguay’s defensive solidity.

Paraguay’s midfield, featuring Miguel Almirón and Mathías Villasanti, will focus on breaking Brazil’s possession-based play and creating counter-attacking opportunities. Their strategy revolves around structured defending and utilising set-pieces to trouble Brazil’s backline.

Tactical Prediction

Brazil will dominate possession with a high-pressing style, while Paraguay will sit deep and rely on counterattacks. The match is expected to showcase:

• Brazil’s attacking creativity vs Paraguay’s defensive resilience
• Key battles in midfield between Bruno Guimarães & Miguel Almirón
• A test of Brazil’s ability to break down a deep defensive block

Possible Starting lineups for Brazil vs Paraguay

This would be the starting lineup for the Brazil vs Paraguay match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification. Neymar have been left out of the Current squad for the upcoming games due to fitness issues. Raphinha is suspended, and Rodrygo is facing injury.

Brazil’s Expected XI:

• Goalkeeper: Alisson
• Defenders: Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Wendell
• Midfielders: André, Bruno Guimarães, Lucas Paquetá
• Forwards: Luiz Henrique, Rodrygo, Vinícius Júnior
• Key Absences: Neymar (injury), Raphinha (suspension), Rodrygo (injury)
• New Faces: Estevão, Antony, Andrey Santos

Paraguay’s Expected XI:

• Goalkeeper: Carlos Coronel
• Defenders: Gustavo Gómez, Junior Alonso, Omar Alderete, Robert Rojas
• Midfielders: Miguel Almirón, Mathías Villasanti, Richard Sánchez, Julio Enciso
• Forwards: Derlis González, Ramón Sosa
• Key Absences: Ángel Romero (injury), Fabián Balbuena (suspension)
• New Faces: Diego Gómez, Matías Rojas

Recent Form & Head-to-Head

Brazil has historically dominated this fixture, and with home advantage in São Paulo, they will look to capitalise on their attacking strength. However, Paraguay’s defensive resilience could still make this a tough battle

• Brazil’s Last Match: 1-0 win vs Ecuador (Rodrygo scored the winner)
• Paraguay’s Last Match: 0-0 draw vs Uruguay
• Last 5 Meetings: Brazil 3 wins, Paraguay 1 win
  • Sep 11, 2024: Paraguay 1-0 Brazil (World Cup Qualifying – South America)
  • Jun 29, 2024: Paraguay 1-4 Brazil (Copa America)
  • Feb 02, 2022: Brazil 4-0 Paraguay (World Cup Qualifying – South America)
  • Jun 09, 2021: Paraguay 0-2 Brazil (World Cup Qualifying – South America)
  • Jun 28, 2019: Brazil 0-0 Paraguay (Copa America)
• Last Match: Paraguay 1-0 Brazil (September 2024)

All-Time Head-to-Head Record

• Total Matches: 83
• Brazil Wins: 50
• Paraguay Wins: 12
• Draws: 21

CONMEBOL Standing before the match

Brazil vs Paraguay Prediction

• Brazil – 2
• Paraguay – 1

How to watch the Brazil vs Paraguay 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match?

Fans can watch the Brazil vs Paraguay 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier live in the USA & Canada through the following platforms:

• Live Stream: Fanatiz USA (Offers a 7-day free trial for new subscribers)
• TV Broadcast: No official TV broadcast available in the USA & Canada
• UK: Premier Sports