June 11, 2025 – CONMEBOL Qualifiers – Brazil and Ecuador officially booked their places in the expanded 48-team 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the second and third South American nations to qualify, after Argentina secured their spot earlier in March.
Brazil Gets the Job Done with Vinícius Jr. Heroics
Playing on home soil in São Paulo, Brazil edged past Paraguay in a tight 1–0 victory. Vinícius Júnior, Real Madrid’s star winger, struck just before halftime, handing coach Carlo Ancelotti a winning first match in charge of the national team.
- The win was critical, pushing Brazil to 25 points, unassailable with two matches remaining in the South American final round.
- The result extends Brazil’s unique record: they remain the only country to have participated in every World Cup since its inception in 1930, set to make their 23rd consecutive appearance.
- Ancelotti, whose arrival was heralded as a high-profile move, now begins his tenure with both qualification and momentum.
Ecuador Clinches Consecutive Trips Despite Minor Setback
Ecuador secured qualification with a 0–0 draw in Lima against Peru, even after being reduced to 10 men following a second yellow card to Alan Franco in the 75th minute.
- The draw elevated them to 25 points—tied with Brazil but second in the standings due to superior goal difference.
- This marks Ecuador’s fifth overall and second consecutive World Cup qualification, affirming their rise in South American football.
- With Uruguay (24 pts), Paraguay (24), and Colombia (22) still in automatic qualifying contention, Ecuador’s spot underscores their steady improvements under coach Sebastián Beccacece.
CONMEBOL Standings Snapshot
Following Matchday 16, the top six automatically qualify while seventh enters a playoff:
| Position | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Argentina* | 35 |
| 2 | Ecuador* | 25 |
| 3 | Brazil* | 25 |
| 4 | Uruguay | 24 |
| 5 | Paraguay | 24 |
| 6 | Colombia | 22 |
| 7 | Venezuela | 18 (playoff) |
*Denotes automatic qualification
Broader Implications
- For Brazil, the qualification is not just statistics: it symbolizes a statement under Ancelotti’s leadership as the Selecão aims to end a 24-year wait for World Cup glory.
- For Ecuador, it’s confirmation of sustained growth and competitiveness in South American football, building on infrastructure and improved performances .
What’s Next
- Remaining Matchdays in September will determine the final automatic spot holders (Uruguay, Paraguay, Colombia) and shape playoff contention, with Venezuela poised for a playoff battle.
- Global and Regional Reaction: both nations will now focus fully on squad planning, finalizing coaching strategies, and logistics for the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Final Thoughts
Brazil and Ecuador’s qualification on June 11, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in CONMEBOL’s grueling qualifying campaign. Brazil’s legacy is intact, while Ecuador’s upward trajectory continues unbroken. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, both squads will now pivot toward tactical fine-tuning, youth integration, and delivering their continent’s best on the global stage.
