Brazil and Colombia Clash in High-Stakes World Cup Qualifier

BRASILIA, Brazil — The Conmebol qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup resume on March 20, 2025, with a crucial match as Brazil takes on Colombia at the Estadio Nacional Mané Garrincha.

Both teams are eager for points in this high-stakes encounter. Brazil’s recent performance has raised concerns, with the team recording back-to-back draws against Venezuela and Uruguay, leaving them fifth in the standings with 18 points. Coach Dorival Júnior held a full practice session on March 18 as they prepare for what may define their season.

“We know the importance of this match. We need to return to our winning ways to stay in contention for direct qualification,” Júnior said during a press conference.

In contrast, Colombia faces its own set of challenges. Under coach Néstor Lorenzo, the team suffered defeats in its last two outings: a 3-2 loss to Uruguay and a 1-0 setback against Ecuador. They currently sit fourth in the standings with 19 points and will be vying for a win to maintain their World Cup aspirations.

“We need to focus on our game and capitalize on our previous success against Brazil. Every match is crucial, and this one is no exception,” Lorenzo stated.

The match is set to kick off at 20:45 ET (18:45 CT and 17:45 PT) and will be broadcast live on networks including ViX by TUDN USA, TyC Sports, and Telemundo Deportes, with streaming available on Fubo Sports.

This match marks matchday 13 of the South American qualifiers, which runs from March 20 to March 21, 2025, with Paraguay also taking on Chile on the same day.

In Asunción, Paraguay, who currently hold sixth place, will seek to extend their six-match unbeaten streak as they host Chile, who are languishing in ninth with just nine points. Securing a victory is essential for Paraguay’s ambitions of qualifying for their first World Cup since 2010.

With the top six positions earning direct entry to the World Cup, and the seventh-placed team facing a playoff, the competition remains fierce. Argentina leads the standings with 25 points, followed by Uruguay and Ecuador with 20 and 19 points, respectively.

The last meeting between Brazil and Colombia saw Colombia triumph 2-1 at home, but their overall record against Brazil has been poor, with only one win in 15 meetings—seven losses and seven draws.

Colombian star James Rodríguez will be pivotal in their efforts, aiming to lead his team to another memorable victory. However, Colombia will miss Jhohn Jader Durán due to suspension and Luis Sinisterra, who is injured.

As qualifying progresses, every match is moving teams closer to the coveted spot in the World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026. Teams across South America face enormous pressure to perform as they battle for their place in football history.