The 16th round of the 2026 World Cup South American qualifiers ushered in another focus match. Brazil, playing at home, defeated Paraguay 1-0 after Vinicius scored.

Eight minutes into the game, Brazil organized an attack. Rafinha received a pass from Cunha and shot from the top of the penalty area, but the ball was caught by Paraguayan goalkeeper Gatito because the angle was too straight. In the 11th minute, Cunha passed the ball from the right to the front of the goal, but Vinicius could not touch the ball.

In the 28th minute, Paraguayan midfielder Enciso was brought down by Vinicius while dribbling, and the referee showed Vinicius a yellow card. In the 29th minute, Paraguay tried to counterattack, Cáceres seized the ball and made a cross, Gustavo Gomez headed the ball, and then Cáceres volleyed it, but the ball was cleared by the opponent's player out of the baseline.

In the 37th minute, Martinelli made a lob pass to the goal, and Cunha tried to head the ball but failed to pose a threat. In the 44th minute, Cunha seized the ball in the melee and passed it back from the penalty area. Vinicius seized the opportunity and shot the ball to the ground, helping Brazil take the lead 1-0.

In the 57th minute of the second half, Rafinha sent a cross from the left, Alex Sandro headed the ball but was blocked by the opponent. In the 60th minute, Paraguay created an offensive opportunity. Sanabria received a pass from Diego Gomez and shot from the top of the penalty area, but the ball was blocked by Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson.

In the 76th minute, Guimaraes passed the ball, Rafinha followed up and shot low from the penalty area, but was saved by Paraguayan goalkeeper Gatito. In the 78th minute, Vinicius was injured and was replaced by Richarlison. In the 89th minute, Guimaraes took the pass from Rafinha and shot from the penalty area, but Paraguayan goalkeeper Gatito flew directly to block the ball.

In the end, Brazil defeated Paraguay 1-0 at home. Currently, Ancelotti's team ranks third in the standings with 25 points and successfully advanced to the World Cup finals in advance.