Overview

• Vinicius Jr. scored in the 44th minute at São Paulo’s NeoQuímica Arena after Matheus Cunha had missed earlier chances.
• Uruguay’s 2-0 victory over Venezuela in Montevideo meant Brazil needed a victory to secure direct entry.
• Brazil’s win lifted them to 25 points from 16 matches, guaranteeing a top-six finish in South American qualifying.
• Paraguay remain on 24 points and will require only a draw in their final fixtures to reach their first World Cup since 2010.
• Ecuador also clinched automatic qualification, while Chile’s loss in Bolivia confirmed their absence from a third straight tournament and led to Ricardo Gareca’s exit.