World Cup qualifiers in South America continue this Thursday with a key match in Brasilia. Brazil will play against Colombia as both teams aim to secure a place in the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Both teams are currently in a good position in the qualifying table. Colombia is fourth, and Brazil is fifth, both within the automatic qualification spots and comfortably ahead of the seventh-place team, which would enter intercontinental playoffs. Brazil is five points ahead of Bolivia (seventh) and six points ahead of Venezuela (eighth), while Colombia has a slightly better position.
With six qualifying matches remaining, both Brazil and Colombia are under pressure to qualify for the World Cup. Brazil has improved after a shaky start where they were sixth after six games, winning only twice. They have since won three more games, but Brazil still appears surprisingly vulnerable. Despite Neymar’s absence due to injury, Brazil has strong players like Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Raphinha. However, the team has often underperformed, making this game crucial for coach Dorival Junior.
Brazil’s current situation gives Colombia a good opportunity for a significant victory, especially after their 2-1 win against Brazil in November 2023. Colombia, who were Copa America finalists last year, are counting on Luis Diaz. While he has scored twice in his last six national team games, his club form has been poor, with only one goal in his last 18 Liverpool games. This match could be a chance for him to regain form or further indicate a decline.
Key information before watching the game.
How to watch and odds
- Date: Thursday, March 20
- Location: Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha — Brasília, Brazil
- Live stream:
- 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 win over Brazil in Nov. 2023 came during their lengthy unbeaten run but since the Copa America, the team’s form has been up and down. This could provide an important opening for Brazil despite their own inconsistencies, with perhaps one of their talented attackers doing just enough to secure an all-important win. Pick: Brazil 1, Colombia 0
Dominic Ashworth