Brazil Ends Winless Streak, Rodrygo Leads Seleção to Victory in World Cup Qualifiers

Rodrygo scored in the first half as Brazil defeated Ecuador 1-0 in Curitiba to end a four-game winless streak in World Cup 2026 qualifying. The 23-year-old Real Madrid winger scored with a shot from outside the box in the 30th minute, which was deflected by a defender and went in off the right-hand post. Victory boosted the Seleção’s qualifying campaign after they had lost to Uruguay, Colombia and Argentina at the end of 2023 after a 1-1 home draw with Venezuela.

Seeking an early goal to settle their nerves, the hosts almost got it when Vinícius Júnior closed down the goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez, whose clearance ricocheted off the forward and into the side-netting. After the goal, Moisés Caicedo was denied a leveller, first by Alisson’s save and then by Gabriel Magalhães, who cleared his follow-up shot off the line.

Rodrygo went close to a second goal with a near-post shot that Galíndez pushed away, but it was Ecuador who looked the more likely to score in the closing stages. Dorival Júnior’s side held on and are now up to fourth in the South American table, with Ecuador in sixth place – the final direct qualification spot – after their five-game unbeaten streak was ended.

Other Results: Uruguay Held to Draw, Suárez's Farewell Ends in Stalemate

Uruguay were held to a goalless draw by Paraguay in Montevideo as Luis Suárez played his 143rd and final international. The 37-year-old hit the post with an acrobatic shot in the 19th minute, after Julio Enciso had hit the woodwork from long range for the visitors. Miguel Almirón was denied by the Uruguay keeper Sergio Rochet before half-time, and while the hosts dominated possession in the second half, it was Paraguay who went closest to scoring when Diego Gómez struck the post from the edge of the area. Uruguay stay second in the standings, with Paraguay in the playoff spot in seventh.

Colombia remain undefeated with three wins and four draws after a 1-1 draw with bottom side Peru in Lima. The Liverpool striker Luis Díaz levelled in the 81st minute, heading home from Jhon Durán’s flick. That denied the hosts a surprise victory after Alexander Callens had fired Peru ahead in the 67th minute.

Argentina Dominant in Buenos Aires, Secure Sixth Win

On Thursday, table-topping Argentina earned their sixth win in seven qualifying games by beating Chile 3-0 in Buenos Aires. Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring soon after half-time, firing home from Júlian Álvarez’s cross. Álvarez got the second with a strike from distance six minutes from time, with the substitute Paulo Dybala completing the scoring in stoppage time. Argentina next face Colombia in a rematch of this year’s Copa América final on Tuesday.

Alisson's Crucial Save: A Cathartic Night for Brazil

Alisson Becker and crucial saves – they go hand-in-hand, if you pardon the pun! The goalkeeper has been a game-changing figure for Liverpool in his six-and-a-bit years at the club, and he also came to Brazil’s rescue on Friday on a cathartic night for his national team after their Copa America letdown over the summer.

The Selecao narrowly overcame Ecuador in 2026 World Cup qualifying action overnight, with the 1-0 result only their second win in their last seven matches, and a first victory in five games in this specific competition. In added time at the end of the first half, by which stage Rodrgyo had broken the deadlock, a dangerous Ecuadorian breakway saw Moises Caicedo played through one-on-one with Alisson, who charged out to thwar the Chelsea midfielder, whose follow-up effort was then cleared by Gabriel Magalhaes of Arsenal.

GOAL writer Jacob Schneider described it as a ‘brilliant save’ which proved to be ‘the difference between one and three points’ for Brazil, awarding the Liverpool colossus 8/10 in his player ratings. The 31-year-old hasn’t always been greatly appreciated in his homeland, but clutch moments like that will surely have his compatriots thanking their lucky stars that they have him in goal.

Paqueta's Key Role in Brazil's Victory

West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta played a key part in Brazil’s 1-0 win over Ecuador overnight as Rodrygo’s strike earned the Seleção a crucial win in their World Cup qualifying campaign. Brazil had been in poor form in the qualifiers, they had lost their last three before last night’s victory. Paqueta and his teammates knew it was crucial to get their qualifying campaign back on track. They managed to do that and Paqueta played a key role.

The Hammers’ number 10’s pass from a central midfield position found Real Madrid’s Rodrygo on the edge of the box. The winger touched it out of his feet, touched it past the onrushing defender, and hit it towards the far post and past the keeper. Paqueta played the most advanced position in a midfield three alongside his best friend and Newcastle midfielder Burno Guimaraes and Andre who recently signed for Wolverhampton Wanderers from Fluminese.

Brazil now have ten points from seven matches played, and sit fourth in the table. The top six teams (out of ten) after 18 matches will directly earn their place in the 2026 World Cup finals, to be played in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, while the seventh side will enter a play-off. Brazil will be hoping and expecting to finish at least in the top four of the table. They will have the opportunity to boost their chances of this in a match against Paraguay on Tuesday.

Ecuador vs. Peru: Where to Watch the Crucial Conmebol Qualifier

Ecuador are set to take on Peru in a crucial Matchday 8 clash of the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers. With both teams vying for essential points on their path to qualification, fans in the USA can catch all the action live, whether on TV or streaming online. Don’t miss this intense showdown between these South American rivals.

Peru’s Matchday 7 in World Cup qualifying delivered a bittersweet result. A 1-1 draw against a tough Colombia squad may look positive on the surface, but Peru was in control with a 1-0 lead and playing confidently, making the dropped points feel like a missed opportunity. Peru remain anchored at the bottom of the standings, and their climb back into contention looks challenging.

Next up for Peru is a crucial clash against Ecuador, who currently sit in 6th place following their recent defeat to Brazil. As the home side, Ecuador enter as the clear favorite, but they would be wise not to underestimate a desperate Peru, eager to secure points and avoid further slipping in the standings.

Ecuador will face Peru for the Matchday 8 of the Conmebol Word Cup Qualifiers this Tuesday, September 10th, with kickoff set for 5:00 PM (ET).

This game between Ecuador and Peru for the Conmebol Word Cup Qualifiers can be watch in the USA on Fanatiz PPV.