Carlo Ancelotti insists Brazil remain «on the right track» for the 2026 World Cup, despite the five-time champions suffering their worst-ever finish in South American qualifying under the current format.
Brazil fell 1-0 to Bolivia on Tuesday in El Alto, where Miguel Terceros scored the winner at over 13,000 feet above sea level. The defeat confirmed Brazil’s sixth loss of the campaign, leaving them fifth in CONMEBOL qualifying behind Argentina, Ecuador, Colombia and Uruguay.
It marks Brazil’s lowest finish since the format was introduced in 1998, with their 28-point tally also their weakest return. Their previous worst was third in 2002, while they topped the group in the last four editions they contested.
Ancelotti, who took charge in May, has overseen two wins, one draw and a defeat from his first four matches. He acknowledged the challenges of playing in Bolivia but remained upbeat about Brazil’s prospects.
«Today was a difficult game, both technically and physically,» he said. «A special game in every sense. We’ll prepare well for the upcoming matches and arrive at the World Cup in good shape. We’re on the right track.»
The Italian used the match to rotate his squad, with Premier League regulars Alisson, Lucas Paqueta, Bruno Guimaraes and Richarlison starting, while Chelsea’s Joao Pedro and teenage prospect Estevao came off the bench.
«Everyone in this group will have new opportunities because they worked very well all week,» Ancelotti added. «I wanted to use this match to get to know some of the players, and that’s what happened.»
Venezuela, Peru and Chile were the three nations eliminated from the qualifiers, while Bolivia advance to the inter-confederation play-offs.
Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Norway delivered a staggering 11–1 victory over Moldova in the sixth round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Erling Haaland netted five goals, Osgor struck four, with Horn and Odegaard also on the scoresheet. Moldova’s only goal came via an own goal by Estegor.
