With momentum on their side, Paraguay will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to 10 matches against Brazil.
Brazil will aim to climb into the automatic qualification spots when they host an in-form Paraguay side at Arena Corinthians on Tuesday night. The match is a part of Matchday 16 of CONMEBOL’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. Carlo Ancelotti’s reign as Brazil boss began with a frustrating 0-0 draw against Ecuador last week, in which the five-time world champions managed just two shots on target. Currently sitting fourth with 22 points, Brazil face mounting pressure to return to winning ways, especially with just three matches left in the qualifying campaign.
Their opponents, Paraguay, are enjoying an impressive run under Gustavo Julio Alfaro. A 2-0 win over Uruguay last time out extended their unbeaten streak to nine matches, including five victories. That result saw them leapfrog Brazil in the standings. Paraguay now sit third with 24 points and are edging closer to their first World Cup appearance since 2010.
With direct qualification still up for grabs, this clash could have major implications. Brazil will look to get their groove back at home, but Paraguay’s defensive discipline and recent form suggest this encounter may be anything but straightforward.
Carlo Ancelotti is set to make a few tweaks to his Brazil XI for Tuesday’s vital clash with Paraguay. In a big boost, Barcelona winger Raphinha is available after serving a one-match suspension and he is likely to return to the starting lineup. Another potential change up front could see Matheus Cunha replace Richarlison, who failed to impress in the previous fixture. The Manchester United forward could inject some much-needed dynamism into Brazil’s attack.
Vinicius Junior, who has just one goal in the qualifiers so far, will be under pressure to deliver a decisive performance for the hosts. Ancelotti is expected to maintain his defensive setup, which kept a clean sheet last time out,
Alisson; Vanderson, Marquinhos, Ribeiro, Sandro; Guimaraes, Casemiro, Gerson/ Martinelli; Antony, Cunha, Vinicius
Manager Gustavo Alfaro is expected to name an unchanged starting XI when Paraguay travel to face Brazil on Tuesday. With no fresh injury concerns reported after that victory, the visitors head into the clash with a settled squad. Miguel Almiron created the most chances (4) in the win over La Celeste and he will once again be a central figure in Paraguay’s attacking play.
The only fitness concern for Paraguay is midfielder Diego Gomez, who is nursing a minor knock. His availability remains uncertain. With momentum on their side, Paraguay will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to 10 matches as they aim to consolidate their top-three position in CONMEBOL’s qualifying standings.
Fernandez; Caceres, G. Gomez, Alderete, Alonso; D. Gomez, Cubas, Galarza, Enciso; Almiron, Sanabria
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