Brazil keeps playing with fire in the World Cup 2026 Qualifications with two disappointing draws

Brazil's national squad, historically one of the strongest football teams in the world, keeps disappointing in the Qualification phase for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Yesterday's game with Uruguay ended in a disappointing draw, 1-1, with goals by Gerson for Brazil and Federico Valverde for Uruguay.

Vinícius Júnior has a star status in Brazil, but so far results have not been good. And it was his Real Madrid partner Fede Valverde who trapped Brazil with one of his usual goals outside the box.

Raphinha, stellar this year with Barcelona, lead the canarinha's offensive with little luck, unable to break through the rigid defence orchestrated by Marcelo Bielsa. Brazil closes this week's international breaks with two 1-1 draws, the other one against Colombia.

Unlike UEFA and CONCACAF, who leave World Cup Qualifications for next year and focuses on the still young Nations Leagues, CONMEBOL extends the qualification schedule for 18 matchdays along three years.

The qualification process began in September of the previous year and is set to conclude in September 2025. This week featured Matchdays 11 and 12, with standout results including Ecuador's 4-0 victory over Bolivia and Argentina's defeat by Paraguay.

Currently, Brazil holds fifth place in the standings with 18 points, among the ten participating nations. The top six teams receive direct qualification, making it highly unlikely for Brazil to miss out this year. In past qualifications, only the top four teams secured direct spots. However, the recent performance of Dorival Júnior's squad has raised concerns.