Oscar ibanez

Neo Quimica Arena: Vini Jr scored the winning goal as Brazil beat Paraguay 1-0 at the Neo Quimica Arena to secure FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification.

Vinicius Jr clinched Carlo Ancelotti his first win in their hot seat after fine work from Matheus Cunha. Paraguay came into the game in the second half and, despite defeat, are an inch away from qualification, boasting a six-point advantage over Venezuela.

The victory was a special gift for Ancelotti, who turned 66 on Tuesday and was honoured by the Brazilian fans, before the start of the game, with an immense mosaic on the Neo Química seats, where it read in green and yellow “Congratulations, Carletto”.