CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying continues on Thursday with a key match in Brasilia, as Brazil hosts Colombia. Both teams are aiming to secure their place in the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Colombia currently sits in fourth place, and Brazil in fifth. Both are within the automatic qualification spots and comfortably ahead of the seventh-place spot, which leads to intercontinental playoffs. Brazil is five points ahead of seventh-place Bolivia, and Colombia is one point ahead of Brazil in the standings.
With several games remaining in the South American World Cup qualifying campaign, both Brazil and Colombia are under pressure to secure qualification. Brazil has recovered somewhat from a shaky start to qualifying, where they were in sixth place after six games with only two wins. They have since added three more wins. Despite boasting star players like Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Raphinha, this Brazil team has shown inconsistency. This match is crucial for manager Dorival Junior.
Colombia has a significant opportunity to build on their record, especially after defeating Brazil 2-1 in November 2023 during Brazil’s poor form. Colombia, who were Copa America finalists last year, are spearheaded by Luis Diaz. While Diaz has scored twice in his last six national team games, he enters this match in a slight slump, having scored only once in his last 18 games for Liverpool. This game could be a chance for him to regain form, or it might indicate a deeper dip.
Match Details
- Date: Thursday, March 20
- Location: Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha — Brasília, Brazil
- Live stream: Fubo (try for free)
- Odds: Brazil -160; Draw +250; Colombia +500
Projected Lineups
Brazil: Alisson, Vanderson, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Arana, Gerson, Guimaraes, Rodrygo, Raphinha, Vinicius, Cunha
Colombia: Vargas, Munoz, Lucumi, Sanchez, Mojica, Portilla, Arias, Rodriguez, Diaz, Duran
Prediction
Colombia’s victory over Brazil in November 2023 occurred during a period of strong form for Colombia, but their performances have been inconsistent since the Copa America. This inconsistency could be an opening for Brazil to capitalize, despite their own patchy form. It’s predicted that Brazil might secure a narrow victory through their attacking talent. Pick: Brazil 1, Colombia 0
