The South American World Cup qualifiers continue this Thursday with a big match in Brasilia. Brazil will play against Colombia as both teams aim to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Both teams are currently in a good position. Colombia is fourth and Brazil is fifth in the qualifying group. The top six teams automatically qualify, and the seventh-place team gets a chance to qualify through intercontinental playoffs. Brazil is currently five points ahead of seventh place Bolivia and six points ahead of eighth place Venezuela. Colombia is slightly ahead, being one point better in both cases.
There are still six games left in the South American qualifiers, and both Brazil and Colombia are expected to secure their spots. Brazil had a shaky start, being sixth after six games with only two wins. However, they have improved, adding three more wins in their last six matches. Despite this, there’s still a sense of vulnerability around the Brazilian team. Neymar is still out with a thigh injury, but Brazil still has talented players like Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo from Real Madrid, and Raphinha from Barcelona. This Brazilian team hasn’t always performed as expected, making this game crucial for coach Dorival Junior.
Brazil’s current situation gives Colombia a good opportunity to make a statement, especially after their 2-1 victory against Brazil in November 2023 during Brazil’s poor form. Colombia, who were Copa America finalists last year, are led by Luis Diaz. Diaz has scored twice in his last six national team games but is currently in a scoring drought for his club, Liverpool. He has only one goal in his last 18 games for Liverpool, so this match could be a chance for him to break that streak, or it could be another sign of his dip in form.
Here’s some key information about the match.
Match Details
- Date: Thursday, March 20
- Location: Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha — Brasília, Brazil
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 happened during a period when Colombia was playing very well, but their form has been inconsistent since the Copa America. This inconsistency might give Brazil an opening, despite their own ups and downs. It’s possible that one of Brazil’s talented attackers will step up and secure a vital win. Pick: Brazil 1, Colombia 0
