Will Brazil Miss the 2026 World Cup? A Look at Their Complicated Qualifying Schedule

The Brazilian national team is in a critical situation after losing 1-0 to Paraguay, leaving them in fifth place in the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. With just 10 points from 8 matches, Dorival Júnior’s squad is only one point away from the playoff zone, raising serious doubts about their ability to qualify directly.

Brazil’s Upcoming Matches

Brazil faces a tough schedule. At home, they will host weaker teams like Peru and Chile, who are at the bottom of the standings. However, they will also face tough opponents like Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay, teams that have already caused them problems.

In addition, Brazil will have to travel to Santiago to face Chile, Maturín to face Venezuela, Buenos Aires for the classic against Argentina, and La Paz to take on Bolivia at 4,100 meters of altitude.

A Difficult Scenario

With only three wins in their last eight matches and a difficult schedule ahead, Brazil’s potential failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup would be one of the biggest disasters in the country’s football history, comparable to the Maracanazo and the 7-1 loss to Germany in 2014. Vinícius Júnior admitted the team’s concerns, stating that they must improve quickly to avoid this tragedy.

Current CONMEBOL Qualifying Standings (After Matchday 8)

• Argentina – 18 points
• Colombia – 16 points
• Uruguay – 15 points
• Ecuador – 11 points
• Brazil – 10 points