Former Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti led Brazil to a shock 1-0 defeat against Bolivia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Softfootball reports.
The match which was played at 4,150 meters of altitude in El Alto, saw Miguel Terceros score from the penalty spot just before half-time to win the match against the much changed Selecao side. Before the encounter, Bolivia wanted a miracle and they indeed got it.
The result meant that La Verde have secured seventh place ahead of Venezuela in the South America table and picked a spot in the intercontinental playoff for the 2026 World Cup.
It will be a chance for Bolivia to qualify for the Mundial in three decades since they played at the World Cup for the first time in the USA 1994.
Bolivia’s feat was recognised by the World Football Governing Body, FIFA as they shared a statement on their official X handle.
🇧🇴 Bolivia books their ticket to the FIFA Play-Off Tournament!#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/Lt2qhiqNmt
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) September 10, 2025The playoff tournament which would take place in March next year will involve six countries to decide the last two spots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Although Brazil had already qualified, The defeat in El Alto left them in fifth place with 28 points, tied with Colombia (third), Uruguay (fourth), and Paraguay (sixth).
However, Carlo Ancelotti won’t be proud of their performance which was well below expectations and highlighted the Seleção’s struggles in this qualifying phase even before the Italian came on board.
The defeat raised question because Brazil had a star-studded squad but failed to impose their superiority in the match against Bolivia which was responsible for their first defeat against the team since 2019.
Interestingly, Colombia helped Bolivia’s cause by beating Venezuela 6-3 with Sporting Lisbon striker Luis Suarez, scoring four goals in the 42nd, 50th, 59th and 67th minutes. Yerry Mina got his goal in the 10th and Jhon Cordoba wrapped it up in the 75th minute.
Meanwhile, elsewhere Enner Valencia scored a late penalty kick ad Ecuador beat reigning World champions Argentina 1-0 in a feisty match in which both teams finished the game with 10 players on the field.
The victory ensured that the Ecuadorians finished second in the South American standings with 29 points behind Argentina with 38. Interesting Miami star, Lionel Messi, who played his last official match at home last Thursday, did not feature in the encounter.
