World Cup Qualifying - South America

Jun 11, 2025 at 1.45am UK

Neo Quimica Arena (Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo)

Brazil vs Paraguay

Match preview

Much was made of Ancelotti’s first match as Brazil boss, but the Italian failed to inspire his team to victory in last week's goalless encounter with Ecuador.

This means that the five-time world champions have failed to respond to their 4-1 defeat at the hands of fierce rivals Argentina in March, and have now gone three consecutive qualifying games without a win for the third time in the ongoing series. This follows a sequence of four matches from October to November 2023 (three losses) and two 1-1 draws against Venezuela and Uruguay in November 2024.

While this loss is not fatal for the Seleção in their quest for a place in the 2026 World Cup finals, their poor run of form in recent qualifying matches is a cause for concern in the long term.

Nevertheless, with just six wins from 15 matches, the South American giants are far from their best as they enter Ancelotti's first home game in charge, with the fourth-placed side aiming to notch their fifth qualifying victory.

With four of their six victories having come in front of their supporters, the Seleção, who have not lost in their last four home fixtures (three wins), will be looking to extend their unbeaten run at the expense of Paraguay.

In the last round of fixtures, Gustavo Julio Alfaro’s team overtook the South American giants after securing a 2-0 win over Uruguay.

By achieving that victory, Los Guaraníes extended their unbeaten run to nine matches, which began in September 2024.

Having claimed five wins during their commendable run, Paraguay have moved closer to reaching the finals, which they last did in the 2010 event in South Africa.

With three matches remaining, Paraguay enter Tuesday night's fixture on 24 points, two ahead of Brazil and six clear of seventh-placed Venezuela, who are in the inter-confederation playoffs.

Considering their six-point lead, the in-form Los Guaraníes could secure their place at the 2026 World Cup with a positive result, provided that Venezuela lose to Uruguay.

Recent Performance

Brazil World Cup Qualifying - South America form:DDWLD

Paraguay World Cup Qualifying - South America form:WDWDW

Team News

Casemiro returned to the Brazil team against Ecuador after not playing for them since 2023, and produced a vintage performance, so he should keep his place.

Although Ancelotti's team has not suffered any apparent injuries, the Seleção boss could be tempted to start Antony and Matheus Cunha, with Estêvão, Willian and Richarlison making way.

Vinicius Junior has only scored once in World Cup qualifying, in the last-gasp 2-1 win over Colombia in March. The Real Madrid player, who is often criticised for his performances for the national team, aims to be decisive for the hosts.

Alfaro’s team emerged unscathed from their matchday 15 victory over Uruguay and will have a strong squad for Tuesday's match.

While four-goal forward Antonio Sanabria failed to score against Uruguay, Julio Enciso scored his third goal with an 81st minute penalty, and the winger is aiming for his fourth strike in the qualifying series.

Possible starting lineup

Brazil possible starting lineup:

Alisson; Vanderson, Marquinhos, Ribeiro, Sandro; Guimaraes, Casemiro, Gerson; Antony, Cunha, Vinicius

Paraguay possible starting lineup:

Fernandez; Caceres, G. Gomez, Alderete, Alonso; D. Gomez, Cubas, Galarza, Enciso; Almiron, Sanabria