Brazil and Uruguay will face off in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday night at the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador.

The two South American giants currently occupy the fourth and second spots in the CONMEBOL table, separated by just two points, setting the stage for a high-stakes encounter.

Match Preview

Brazil have underwhelmed in their World Cup qualifying campaign so far, managing five wins, two draws, and four defeats from 11 matches.

Their recent 1-1 draw with Venezuela was a disappointment, though Raphinha’s opener gave them the lead before the hosts equalized shortly after the restart.

Brazil’s last two matches against Uruguay have also ended in defeat, including a penalty shootout loss in the 2024 Copa America quarter-finals.

Uruguay, on the other hand, enter this contest in confident mood after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Colombia in their previous outing.

Manuel Ugarte’s late winner in the 11th minute of stoppage time saw them leapfrog Brazil into second place in the standings, just three points behind leaders Argentina.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side have won five, drawn four, and lost two of their 11 qualifiers so far.

Brazil’s form has been inconsistent, with two wins, two draws, and two defeats in their last six matches across all competitions.

Uruguay, meanwhile, have shown more resilience, recording three draws and three wins in their previous six outings.

Head-to-Head

Brazil and Uruguay have faced each other 82 times, with Brazil winning 39 of those encounters, Uruguay victorious in 21, and 22 matches ending in a draw.

However, Uruguay have emerged victorious in the last two meetings between the sides.

Team News

Brazil will be without the suspended Vanderson, while Guilherme Arana has withdrawn from the squad due to an ankle injury.

Key players like Alisson Becker, Eder Militao, and Rodrygo are also unavailable for selection.

Uruguay, on the other hand, could welcome back Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who scored the late winner against Colombia.

Predicted Starting Lineups

Brazil (4-2-3-1):

Ederson;

Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Abner;

Gerson, Guimaraes;

Savinho, Raphinha, Vinicius;

Igor Jesus

Uruguay (4-2-3-1):

Rochet;

Nandez, Gimenez, Olivera, Saracchi;

Ugarte, Valverde;

Pellistri, Aguirre, Araujo;

Darwin Nunez

Prediction

This promises to be a tightly contested affair between two of South America’s heavyweights. While Brazil have the greater pedigree and home advantage, their inconsistent form this campaign suggests they may struggle to overcome a determined Uruguay side.

A draw would be a fair result, keeping both teams firmly in the hunt for a direct qualification spot to the 2026 World Cup.

• Score Prediction: Brazil 1-1 Uruguay

Betting Tips

– Match Result: Draw
– Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Under
– Anytime Goalscorer: Darwin Nunez
– Both Teams to Score: Yes