On Wednesday the 11th, Brazil met its Waterloo in the South American regional qualifying round, losing 0-1 to Paraguay. With only one win in five matches, Brazil dropped to fifth place, leaving fans disheartened: is Brazil's path to qualification in jeopardy?
Despite retaining a core of players such as Yunis Oszulia, Lodigos and Andriy Cali, Brazil had only six shots on goal and even fewer goals. Paraguay routed Brazil 1-0 thanks to a brilliant 20-minute performance by Dia Gomes.
Brazil have never missed a World Cup in their history and the play-offs are always seen as the most crucial test.The 2026 World Cup saw an increase in the number of teams from 48 and an expansion of the South American zone from 10 to 12 places. Surprisingly, however, six teams qualified outright, with the seventh-placed team having the chance to progress through the play-offs, meaning three teams are expected to qualify.
But the situation has become embarrassing for Brazil as they have lost four times in the last five rounds. Although they are in fifth place with 10 points from eight matches, they are only one point ahead of eighth place (relegated Bolivia), a figure that makes Brazil's prospects worrisome. After the match, leader Dulivar Zulia said with disappointment, "This was my worst performance since I took over, I need the team to be more consistent."
