Brazil vs Paraguay

Brazil aims to secure consecutive wins as they head to Asuncion for a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Paraguay on Tuesday.

Currently fourth in the standings with 10 points, Brazil lead seventh-placed Paraguay, who have six points, by four.

Paraguay, under new management after Daniel Garnero’s exit following a lackluster 2024 Copa America, are looking to rebound. La Albirroja crashed out in the group stage, losing to Colombia, Brazil, and Costa Rica—their earliest exit since 2016.

Gustavo Alfaro, previously Costa Rica’s coach, took over as Paraguay’s head coach after the Copa America win against them. His first match in charge resulted in a 0-0 draw against Uruguay on Friday, keeping Paraguay in the inter-confederation playoff position, two points shy of automatic qualification.

With only one victory in seven 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Paraguay face a tough challenge against Brazil, whom they last defeated 2-0 at home in June 2008. Their home form in this qualifying cycle has been inconsistent, with a draw against Peru, a win over Bolivia, and a loss to Colombia.

Brazil, despite beating Paraguay at the 2024 Copa America, had a subpar tournament, managing just one win, two draws, and a quarter-final penalty shootout loss to Uruguay—their worst Copa America showing since 2016.

Under Dorival Junior, Brazil bounced back in their latest qualifier, defeating Ecuador 1-0 on Friday thanks to Rodrygo’s first-half goal, snapping a four-match winless streak in qualifying. Since Dorival’s appointment earlier this year, Brazil have recorded four wins and five draws.

Brazil are confident heading into Tuesday’s match, having won four of their last five encounters with Paraguay in regulation time, including a 4-1 thrashing in the 2024 Copa America group stage. They also boast a strong recent record in World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay, winning the last three without conceding, including a 2-0 victory in Asuncion in June 2021.