Brazil defeated Colombia 2-1 in World Cup qualifying on Thursday thanks to a last-minute goal from Vinicius Junior, saving his team and millions of supporters from further heartbreak.
Brazil’s position in the South American rankings would have dropped to sixth place with a draw. Vinicius’ long-range goal instead put Brazil in second place behind Argentina.
Brazil coach Dorival Junior felt less pressure after the win ahead of their match against Argentina next week, as the top six teams are assured spots at the World Cup in Canada, the United States, and Mexico next year. Not a single World Cup has been missed by the five-time champion.
With 25 points from 12 games, four more than Brazil (21 points from 13 games), Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina team is almost certain to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Four days prior to their planned match against Brazil, Argentina will play Uruguay on Friday without Lionel Messi. The two South American powerhouses last faced off in 2023, with Argentina winning 1-0 at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana Stadium.
Bruno Guimaraes, a midfielder for Brazil, and Gabriel Magalhaes, a defender, were both booked against Colombia and will not play in Tuesday’s game in Buenos Aires. On the same day, Colombia will host Paraguay.
