Latest update: 11-05-2025
Five-time world champions Brazil never doubted their place at the 2026 World Cup. Yet their performances have swung like a pendulum—after a goalless draw, they followed up with a narrow 1–0 victory to secure qualification in CONMEBOL qualifying. In this turbulent period, legendary Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti became the first foreign manager in Brazil’s history to complete a full term in charge.
Last Friday, Ancelotti’s side opened their tenure with a 0–0 draw against Ecuador—an underwhelming display that left some fans disappointed, if unsurprised by the reality that no coach can transform a team overnight. Today (Wednesday), on Ancelotti’s birthday and in his first home match, Brazil delivered the perfect gift: a hard-fought 1–0 win over Paraguay. Vinícius Júnior rose to the occasion, scoring in the final minute of the first half to decide the contest and secure Brazil’s ticket to North America.
With 25 points from 16 matches, Brazil now sit third in the CONMEBOL table and have mathematically qualified for the World Cup. They remain the only nation to have appeared in every edition of the tournament since its inception in 1930.
2026 World Cup Format
• Hosts: United States, Mexico, Canada (all earn automatic berths)
• Teams: Expanded to 48 (up from 32)
• Slot Allocation:
• UEFA (Europe): 16
• CAF (Africa): 8
• AFC (Asia): 8
• CONMEBOL (South America): 6
• CONCACAF (North/Central America): 6
• OFC (Oceania): 1
• Remaining 2 spots via intercontinental playoffs
Qualified Teams as of 11 June
Counting the three hosts, thirteen teams have secured their places:
United States (host), Mexico (host), Canada (host), Argentina, Iran, Japan, New Zealand, Uzbekistan, Jordan, South Korea, Australia, Brazil, and Ecuador.