Brazil qualify for 2026 World Cup

Brazil booked their place at the 2026 World Cup in North America on Tuesday with a 1-0 victory over Paraguay.

The five-time world champions -- the only team to appear in every edition of the World Cup - punched their ticket to the finals with the first win of new coach Carlo Ancelotti's reign.

A goal from Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Jr. on the stroke of halftime in Sao Paulo made it a winning home debut for Brazil's new coach.

Brazil set to make their 23rd appearance in next year's tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The Real Madrid star fired Brazil into the lead in Sao Paulo, bundling home from close range in the 44th minute after a cross from new Manchester United signing Matheus Cunha.

Uruguay's 2-0 victory over Venezuela in Montevideo earlier Tuesday had raised the prospect of qualification for both Brazil and Paraguay at the Corinthians Arena.

Paraguay were left needing only a point to qualify after Venezuela's defeat, while Brazil knew they could advance with a win.

In the event it was Brazil who seized the opportunity presented by Venezuela's loss with Vinicius scoring the only goal just before half-time.

A lacklustre Brazil had struggled to create many chances up until that point, with Cunha squandering a golden chance in the 35th minute after heading wide from point-blank range.

But Cunha made up for that miss with a key part in the goal, capitalising on good work from Raphinha to dart into the box and whip in a low cross for Vinicius, who stabbed home the finish.

The win lifts Brazil into third place in the South American standings with 25 points from 16 games, guaranteeing them a top-six finish and an automatic qualifying berth.

The defeat leaves Paraguay with 24 points, meaning they need one point to secure their first World Cup appearance since 2010.