Brazil vs Paraguay: Lineups for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

After a frustrating draw in his debut as Brazil’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti now faces a crucial opportunity. He has the chance to climb the CONMEBOL standings and ease the early pressure. Meanwhile, Paraguay arrive in strong form, having gone nine consecutive matches without a loss. As a result, a highly competitive match is expected. Both teams are pushing to improve their position in the World Cup Qualifiers.

Watch Brazil vs Paraguay live for free in the USA on Fubo

After failing in the 2024 Copa America, Gustavo Alfaro changed Paraguay’s course. He restored their identity on the field. He also rebuilt his players’ trust in the national team project. Moreover, he brought in a new wave of young talent. Leading that group is Julio Enciso, who quickly became the face of the team. His influence has been key to Paraguay’s impressive level.

Carlo Ancelotti has taken the most daring step of his career. He became Brazil’s first foreign coach in decades. His appointment triggered major changes. One of his first moves was recalling Carlos Casemiro. He also introduced a flexible playing style. His Brazil adapts to every opponent, showing his trademark tactical vision. In addition, he placed faith in two young stars: 18-year-old Estevao Willian and 21-year-old Andrey Santos.

Despite his short time with the team, Ancelotti must prove Brazil’s attacking strength. He needs to capitalize on Vinicius Junior’s top form. At Real Madrid, Ancelotti helped Vinicius reach his peak. Now, fans expect that same magic on the international stage. With that in mind, both teams will aim to put their best lineups on the pitch.

Raphinha of Brazil takes a penalty to score the team’s first goal during the South American FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Brazil and Colombia at Mane Garrincha Stadium on March 20, 2025 in Brasilia, Brazil.

Brazil confirmed lineup vs Paraguay

Unlike the game against Ecuador, Ancelotti will bring back Raphinha, one of the world’s most in-form players right now. The winger missed the last match due to yellow card accumulation. However, Brazil now face a team that defends well and plays a very physical style. Therefore, Ancelotti will go with a more mature starting eleven.

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Considering the latter, Brazil’s lineup will look as follows: Alisson Becker; Vanderson, Marquinhos, Alexsandro Ribeiro, Alex Sandro; Carlos Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes; Gabriel Martinelli, Raphinha, Vinicius Jr; Matheus Cunha.

Paraguay confirmed lineup vs Brazil

Coming off an impressive win over Uruguay and currently sitting third in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers, Paraguay will stick with a similar starting eleven. Also, Gustavo Alfaro will favor a compact defensive setup with a quick counter-attacking strategy. In that approach, Julio Enciso stands out as the key figure, the team’s most dynamic and creative threat.

Paraguay’s lineup to face Brazil will look like this: Roberto Fernandez; Juan Caceres, Gustavo Gomez, Omar Alderete, Junior Alonso; Diego Gomez, Andres Cubas, Mathias Villasanti, Julio Enciso; Miguel Almiron, Antonio Sanabria.

How to watch Brazil vs Paraguay in the USA

The 2026 World Cup Qualifier between Brazil and Paraguay on Matchday 16 will be available to viewers in the United States via Fubo (7-day free trial).