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Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 13/5
Bookmaker: 888sport
Brazil aim to get back on track in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign as they host Uruguay on Tuesday night.
The Selecao, currently fourth in the standings, were held to a 1-1 draw by Venezuela in their last outing, slipping below Uruguay, who moved up to second after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Colombia.
Brazil
Brazil’s 2026 World Cup qualification campaign has fallen below expectations, with a mixed record of five wins, two draws, and four losses from 11 matches, leaving them fourth in the table with 17 points. They trail leaders Argentina by five points but remain just two points behind second-placed Uruguay, making Tuesday’s clash pivotal for their standing.
Dorival Junior’s side took the lead against Venezuela through Raphinha in their last match, only to settle for a 1-1 draw after conceding early in the second half. Adding to their concerns, Brazil has lost their last two encounters with Uruguay, including a penalty-shootout defeat in the 2024 Copa America quarter-finals and a 2-0 loss in October’s reverse qualifier.
Despite their illustrious history, including five World Cup titles, Brazil’s last triumph came in 2002, and they have since exited at the quarterfinal stage in both 2018 and 2022. A win over Uruguay could reignite their qualifying campaign and provide a much-needed morale boost.
Team News
Brazil faces Uruguay on Tuesday without several key players. Vanderson is suspended, while Guilherme Arana has withdrawn due to an ankle injury. Vanderson is expected to be replaced by veteran Danilo, who is poised for his 65th cap.
Igor Jesus, who led the line against Venezuela, will aim for his second international goal, supported by an attacking lineup likely to include Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, and Savinho. However, Brazil remains hampered by the absence of notable names such as Alisson Becker, Eder Militao, and Rodrygo, all sidelined with injuries.
Uruguay
As has been said, Uruguay enter the clash against Brazil buoyed by a dramatic 3-2 win over Colombia. The Sky Blues seemed destined for a 2-2 draw after conceding an equalizer in the sixth minute of added time, but Manuel Ugarte’s decisive goal in the 11th minute of stoppage time secured all three points. This victory elevated Uruguay to second place in the standings, three points shy of leaders Argentina.
Marcelo Bielsa’s team has recorded five wins, four draws, and two losses in 11 qualifiers, and their recent success over Brazil in consecutive matches, including the 2-0 win in October, adds to their growing confidence. Uruguay’s rich history includes two World Cup victories (1930, 1950), though their quarterfinal exit in 2022 left room for improvement as they aim for greater heights in 2026.
While the Colombia result was their first win since the 2024 Copa America third-place playoff, Uruguay’s tendency for draws – four in their last six outings – highlights a pattern they will look to overcome against Brazil.
Team News
Bielsa is likely to make minimal adjustments to the Uruguay lineup that defeated Colombia. The only anticipated change is Manuel Ugarte’s inclusion in midfield after his dramatic late winner.
Up front, Darwin Nunez, with 13 goals in 32 caps, will spearhead the attack, supported by Facundo Pellistri, the former Manchester United winger now playing for Panathinaikos.
Conclusion
This should prove a difficult challenge for both sides, with Uruguay looking better at the moment and Brazil being a team nobody would bet against, especially at home. A draw with both teams finding the back of the opposition net at least once appears a likely outcome.
Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 13/5
Bookmaker: 888sport