Ancelotti Off the Mark as Brazil Secure World Cup Spot in Tight Win Over Paraguay

Vinicius Jr delivers, Cunha impresses, and Brazil keep their perfect qualification record alive

Carlo Ancelotti can finally breathe a little easier. After a nervy, goalless debut against Ecuador, Brazil’s new boss collected his first win on the job, guiding the Seleção to a narrow but crucial 1-0 victory over Paraguay in South American World Cup qualifying.

In a scrappy, hard-fought contest in Asunción, it was Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr who came up with the decisive moment, netting the only goal of the game in the second half. The strike not only secured Brazil all three points but also officially punched their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a tournament they have never failed to reach.

First win, first step: Ancelotti era gets going

After taking over a Brazil side still reeling from a disappointing 2022 campaign in Qatar, Ancelotti’s appointment was heralded as a fresh start — a return to calm, proven leadership. But the pressure on the Italian legend has been immense from the moment he put pen to paper.

So when Brazil opened his reign with a flat 0-0 draw against Ecuador last week, questions were already beginning to stir. Was Ancelotti’s style too pragmatic for this talented group? Would he be able to balance the flair of Brazil’s front line with the structure needed to navigate South American qualifying?

Those doubts were at least temporarily silenced on a chilly night in Paraguay.

“It was important to win, to qualify,” said Vinicius Jr post-match. “Now the coach has more time to work. We know this wasn’t our best match, but it’s the result that matters.”

Cunha shines as Brazil’s new playmaker-in-chief

While Vinicius grabbed the headlines with his goal, it was Manchester United-bound Matheus Cunha who truly lit up the evening. Operating in a free role just behind the forward line, Cunha was Brazil’s most creative presence — full of energy, movement, and clever touches.

The breakthrough goal came courtesy of his individual brilliance. Skipping past a challenge in midfield, Cunha burst into the box and delivered a perfectly timed cutback that Vinicius swept home from close range. It was a move that combined vision, tempo, and technique — everything Brazil fans hope this new generation can offer.

For Ancelotti, the chemistry between the two young stars will be a promising sign of things to come.

Brazil’s defensive grit sees them through

It wasn’t all samba flair and silky passing, though. Brazil had to work for this win. Paraguay, as always, were stubborn and physical, making life difficult in midfield and pressing high up the pitch. But Brazil’s back line — marshalled by Marquinhos and Eder Militão — stood firm.

Goalkeeper Alisson was rarely troubled, and Danilo provided veteran assurance at right-back. Ancelotti may be famed for his attacking units at club level, but he’ll be quietly pleased by the discipline his side showed without the ball.

With qualification now secured, the Italian can begin shaping this Brazil team into something more expansive — something closer to the rich attacking tradition the yellow shirt demands.

Argentina held at home in dramatic clash with Colombia

While Brazil were sealing their qualification, their great rivals Argentina were involved in a much more chaotic affair in Buenos Aires.

Lionel Scaloni’s side drew 1-1 with Colombia in a match that featured moments of brilliance, controversy, and a late twist.

Luis Diaz, the Liverpool winger, produced the standout highlight of the night, scoring a breathtaking solo goal to put Colombia ahead. Picking up the ball on the left flank, Diaz danced through three Argentine defenders before calmly slotting past Emiliano Martinez — a finish that oozed confidence and class.

Things went from bad to worse for the Albiceleste when Enzo Fernandez saw red with 20 minutes left on the clock. The Chelsea midfielder lunged into a high-boot challenge on Kevin Castaño and was swiftly dismissed, leaving the hosts with a mountain to climb.

But Argentina, champions of the world, are nothing if not resilient. With Lionel Messi pulling the strings, they pushed forward and were eventually rewarded when Thiago Almada struck the equaliser in the 81st minute. The Lyon playmaker found space on the edge of the box and bent a lovely finish into the far corner, salvaging a point that keeps Argentina firmly on course.

Ecuador edge closer after stalemate in Lima

Brazil book World Cup 2026 spot after Vinicius Jr gives Carlo Ancelotti first win as manager

Elsewhere in the qualification picture, Ecuador secured their place at the 2026 World Cup with a goalless draw away to Peru. It wasn’t pretty, but it didn’t need to be.

Ecuador came into the match knowing a single point would be enough, and they played accordingly — organised, compact, and difficult to break down. Peru, to their credit, tried to force the issue but lacked the quality to create clear chances against a well-drilled back five.

It may not have generated many headlines, but Ecuador’s qualification is a testament to their quiet consistency throughout the campaign.

Looking ahead: Ancelotti challenge starts now

For Brazil, the hard part is over — the World Cup ticket is secured, the first win under Ancelotti is in the books, and the team is beginning to take shape.

But for the manager himself, the real challenge lies ahead. Over the next 12 months, he’ll need to refine his system, blend youth with experience, and find a balance between the club-style control he’s known for and the flamboyant, expressive style Brazil fans demand.

The likes of Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Cunha, and Endrick offer attacking potential that few international sides can match. The question now is how Ancelotti moulds them into a cohesive, winning unit — one capable of ending Brazil’s 24-year wait for a sixth World Cup title.