Two more nations Brazil and Ecuador have officially stamped their tickets to football’s biggest stage on 2026 FIFA World Cup. Brazil and Ecuador confirmed their qualification for the tournament following crucial results in the latest round of CONMEBOL qualifiers on June 10, 2025.
Brazil’s Return to Form Under Ancelotti
Brazil secured their place at the upcoming World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paraguay in São Paulo. The win marked an important milestone for Carlo Ancelotti, the veteran Italian manager who took charge after a turbulent period for the five-time world champions. The result lifted Brazil to 22 points after 15 matches, ensuring their position within the top six teams that qualify directly from South America.
This was Brazil’s first victory under Ancelotti, coming on the heels of a tense goalless draw against Ecuador that had temporarily stalled their qualification hopes. Despite a campaign riddled with injuries and a damaging defeat to rivals Argentina earlier in the qualifiers, Brazil managed to steady their course just in time.
With their spot secured, Brazil’s focus now shifts to improving form and building chemistry under their new manager. They face Paraguay again on June 11, 2025, aiming to sharpen their attack and regain momentum as preparations for the World Cup intensify.
Ecuador’s Defensive Prowess Pays Off
Meanwhile, Ecuador punched their ticket to the 2026 tournament following a 0-0 draw against Peru in Lima. While it wasn’t the most thrilling contest, the single point was enough to guarantee Ecuador a place among the top six teams in the CONMEBOL standings.
Ecuador’s qualification is especially impressive considering the challenges they’ve faced in recent years. A three-point deduction from FIFA for falsifying documents in the previous World Cup cycle added extra pressure to their campaign. Yet, the team responded with remarkable consistency, suffering just two losses in 15 matches and boasting the best defensive record in South America, conceding only five goals.
Currently sitting second in the standings with 24 points, Ecuador has established itself as one of the continent’s most resilient sides. With several young talents gaining experience from their appearance at Qatar 2022, Ecuador now sets its sights on making a deeper run in 2026, likely targeting the knockout rounds.
South American Duo Brazil and Ecuador Qualify for 2026 World Cup
The South American Qualification Picture
The 2026 World Cup will feature a new expanded format, but South America remains one of the most competitive regions. CONMEBOL’s qualification structure grants direct World Cup spots to the top six teams, with the seventh-placed nation entering an inter-confederation playoff.
Argentina became the first South American team to qualify earlier in the campaign, followed now by Brazil and Ecuador. Behind them, the race for the remaining three direct spots is intensifying, with Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay, and Venezuela all battling for position.
With three rounds of qualifiers remaining in June and September 2025, the fight for those final tickets to the World Cup promises to deliver more drama and decisive moments.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Uzbekistan and Jordan have made history by securing their first-ever qualifications for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a landmark achievement for both nations. Uzbekistan confirmed their place after a hard-fought 0-0 draw with the United Arab Emirates, while Jordan sealed their historic berth with a commanding 3-0 victory over Oman.
For Uzbekistan, this achievement comes after years of near misses, including a controversial playoff loss in 2006. Jordan’s qualification caps a remarkable rise in Asian football, following their impressive run to the 2023 Asian Cup final. Both teams now join the expanded 48-team World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, alongside heavyweights like Japan, Iran, and South Korea. Their debuts promise to bring fresh energy and new stories to the global stage, as both nations look to make their mark in football history.
