Brazil's national soccer team achieved a crucial victory against Ecuador in the seventh round of the 2026 World Cup South American qualifiers, narrowly winning 1-0 at the Couto Pereira Stadium in Curitiba. This victory marked a significant turnaround for Brazil, who had previously faced three consecutive losses in the qualifiers. The match saw Rodrygo, a player from Real Madrid, scoring the only goal in the 30th minute, which ultimately secured three vital points for Brazil. With this win, Brazil climbed to 4th place in the interim standings, accumulating a total of 10 points from 7 matches, while Ecuador dropped to 6th with 8 points.
In another notable match, Uruguay bid farewell to veteran striker Luis Suarez in a goalless draw against Paraguay. This match was particularly emotional for fans as it marked Suarez's last appearance for the national team, where he played the full 90 minutes. Meanwhile, Colombia managed to hold Peru to a 1-1 draw, maintaining their position in the standings. The South American qualifiers continue to be competitive as teams vie for a spot in the 2026 World Cup, with the top six teams advancing directly to the finals.
- The South American World Cup qualifiers feature ten teams, with Brazil previously struggling in the early rounds. Their recent win against Ecuador is seen as a much-needed boost in their campaign. The match statistics reflected a closely contested game, with Brazil holding a slight edge in possession and shots on goal. In other matches, Argentina solidified their lead in the qualifiers, showcasing their dominance with a 3-0 victory over Chile. This win brought their total points to 18, further distancing them from the competition. The upcoming matches in the qualifiers will be crucial, especially as teams prepare for the next rounds in October and November.
