Paraguay Vs. Brazil: Match Preview, Odds & Predictions

Going into Tuesday's 2026 World Cup qualifier against Paraguay in Asuncion, Brazil will be looking to win their second match in a row.

The hosts are in seventh place, four points behind the Selecao, who are in fourth with ten points.

Previous Matches and head-to-head

After dismissing Daniel Garnero after a disastrous 2024 Copa America campaign, Paraguay has started the current international session with a new manager.

Their first elimination from the group stage since 2016 resulted from losses against Colombia, Brazil, and Costa Rica for La Albirroja.

After Costa Rica's Copa America victory against Paraguay, Gustavo Alfaro resigned to become the head coach of La Albirroja.

They are now six points strong, tied for first position in the inter-confederation playoffs, and only two points from the automatic qualifying spots; Alfaro took over on Friday and oversaw a scoreless draw against Uruguay.

Since a 2-0 home win in June 2008, Paraguay has only managed one victory in seven 2026 World Cup qualifiers. They know how difficult it will be to defeat Brazil in regular times.

The hosts' three home games in the qualifying cycle have yielded varied results: a tie with Peru, a win over Bolivia, and a loss to Colombia.

Even if Brazil did manage to overcome Paraguay in the 2024 Copa America, it was their only triumph in an otherwise disastrous tournament.

Their worst Copa America showing since losing in the group stage in 2016 occurred when the Selecao drew their other two group games and lost to Uruguay on penalties in the quarterfinal.

In Friday's 2026 World Cup qualifier against Ecuador, Dorival Junior's squad returned to the action. Rodrigo scored the game-winning goal in the first half, giving Brazil a tight 1-0 victory and breaking their four-game qualifying losing streak.

Since assuming the reins at the start of this year, Dorival has successfully guided his team to four victories and five draws following their triumph in their first World Cup qualifier.

Brazil has won four of its past five matches against Paraguay in normal time, including a resounding 4-1 triumph in the 2024 Copa America group stage. Therefore, Brazil will be confident in its prospects of winning a second consecutive victory in Tuesday's match.

The Selecao may take heart from a record of three consecutive victories over Paraguay in World Cup qualifiers, all of which have ended in victories. This streak includes a 2-0 triumph on the road in June 2021.

Paraguay x Brazil Team News

After collecting a second yellow card for qualifying in the scoreless draw against Uruguay, Gustavo Gomez, a defender for Paraguay, will face a one-match ban.

Instead of Gomez, the seasoned Fabian Balbuena will likely play with Getafe defender Omar Alderete in the centre of defence.

After playing for nearly half an hour off the bench in Friday's games, midfielder Mathias Villasanti is vying for a starting position.

Due to an injury, he suffered in the warmup for Real Madrid's victory against Ecuador, the visiting team will be without centre defender Eder Militao.

Girona's Yan Couto, Manchester City's Savinho, and Flamengo's Pedro have all been ruled out with injuries, so they will not be part of the team.

If Dorival sticks with the starting lineup from the match against Ecuador, he may be tempted to start Luiz Henrique for a second consecutive game.

Real Madrid's Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior will start up front for the Spanish club, but Endrick, who plays for Botafogo, may have to settle for a bench spot.

Our Prediction

Brazil to win @1.57 on Sky247.ng

Although Brazil has been disappointed by a string of draws during Dorival's brief tenure as coach, we think it will be fine in Tuesday's matchup since we believe the visitors will demonstrate their superior skill and come out on top.

Elevate your betting experience with SKY247 Nigeria. Join now and discover a thrilling world of sports, live events, and exclusive bonuses. Bet with confidence on your favourite teams and games.