In a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifier on September 6, 2024, Brazil narrowly defeated Ecuador 1-0, thanks to a deflected goal by Real Madrid’s forward Rodrygo.
The match, held at the Major Antônio Couto Pereira stadium in Curitiba, saw Brazil earn three vital points, moving them from sixth to fourth place in the standings.
Brazil now has 10 points from seven games, but they still trail eight points behind Argentina, the current leaders of the qualifiers.
Brazil’s performance in recent international tournaments has been underwhelming, with early exits in both the 2022 World Cup and the 2023 Copa America.
Their struggles continued against Ecuador, where despite controlling possession, they managed only three shots on goal.
Rodrygo’s decisive moment came in the 30th minute when his shot from 25 yards out deflected off Ecuador’s defender Willian Pacho and bounced in off the post.
The expanded 2026 World Cup, set to feature 48 teams in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, means the top six finishers in the South American qualifiers will secure a spot in the tournament, while the seventh-place team will enter an inter-confederation play-off.
In another qualifier, Uruguay’s star striker Luis Suarez played his final international match, a goalless draw against Paraguay in Montevideo.
Suarez, 37, who announced his retirement from international football earlier in the week, was honored with a pre-match ceremony.
Despite dominating possession, Uruguay struggled to break down Paraguay’s defense, resulting in a frustrating stalemate.
“Uruguay is bigger than any player. Starting tomorrow I will be another fan,” Suarez emotionally told the crowd.
Although celebrated for his illustrious career, which included 69 goals in 143 appearances, Suarez could not add to his tally in his farewell match. Uruguay remains in second place in the standings with 14 points from seven games, four points behind Argentina.
Elsewhere, Colombia salvaged a late 1-1 draw against Peru in Lima, thanks to a header from Liverpool’s Luis Diaz. After Peru took a surprising lead through Alexander Callens in the 68th minute, Diaz’s equalizer kept Colombia in third place with 13 points from seven games.
