Brazil vs Paraguay: WCQ Match Preview, Odds & Prediction

When Brazil hosts Paraguay on Tuesday night for matchday 16 at Arena Corinthians, they have a chance to move up to second place in the qualifying campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The South American powerhouses finished fourth in CONMEBOL qualification following the 15th round, with Carlo Ancelotti's first game in charge of the Seleção resulting in a loss to Ecuador. Going into the next round, their opponents were two points ahead of the five-time world champions.

Previous Matches and Head-to-head

Brazil's coach, Ancelotti, has been disappointed by the team's lack of success in their first game as coach. The Selecao, the South American giants, have gone consecutive qualifying games without winning, losing three in a row from October to November 2023 and drawing 1-1 twice in November 2024 against Venezuela and Uruguay. This setback has raised concerns about the team's long-term prospects, as they have won only one of their last five qualifying matches.

Paraguay, on the other hand, is making progress towards reclaiming their 2010 tournament title after claiming five victories. With three games left in the series, Paraguay is now in first place with 24 points, two ahead of second-place Brazil and six ahead of seventh-place Venezuela in the Inter-confederation playoffs.

They will face Venezuela on Tuesday night. If Venezuela loses against Uruguay and Los Guaranies wins, they will have a six-point lead and will automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The setback does not entirely derail the Selecao's quest for participation in their 23rd global championships, but they have a lot to improve upon as they go into their first home game.

Brazil x Paraguay Team News

Casemiro should keep his starting spot in Brazil's lineup after returning from a 2023 absence with a spectacular performance against Ecuador.

Antony and Matheus Cunha might start for the Selecao instead of Estevao Willian and Richarlison, even if Ancelotti's squad did not seem to have any injuries.

Despite receiving criticism for his performances with the national team, Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior hopes to be the game-winner for the hosts in World Cup qualification. His lone goal this season came in a 2-1 victory against Colombia in March.

Alfaro's team came out of their matchday 15 win against Uruguay uninjured, giving the visitors a somewhat healthy roster to work with on Tuesday.

Julio Enciso scored his third goal on a penalty in the 81st minute, and the wide attacker is looking to score his fourth in the qualifying series. Antonio Sanabria, who has scored four goals in a row, did not score in the win against Uruguay.

Our Predictions

Full-time draw @ 4.20 on Sky247.ng

Even if Ancelotti's presence is still making Brazilians happy, the Selecao's disinterested play seems to be here to stay.

The five-time world champions have won their past four home games in a row, but Paraguay have drawn their past four away games, and Los Guaranies have a chance to earn a point in CONMEBOL qualification if they succeed.

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