Uruguay secured a 2-0 home victory over Brazil in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier as Darwin Nunez and Nicolas de la Cruz found the back of the net. Nunez opened the scoring just before half-time with a powerful header that beat goalkeeper Ederson at his near post. This goal followed Maximiliano Araujo’s left-flank cross.
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Brazil faced a setback just before the break when Neymar was stretchered off after a challenge from De la Cruz. De la Cruz doubled the lead 13 minutes from the end with a close-range effort, capitalizing on Nunez’s cross.
This result places Uruguay second in the 10-team South American group with seven points from four games. They are ahead of Brazil on goal difference.
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In another match, Venezuela enjoyed a 3-0 home victory over 10-man Chile. Yeferson Soteldo scored and provided an assist for the hosts. Soteldo opened the scoring with a low shot into the far corner after Jose Martinez intercepted an errant pass from Paulo Diaz. He then set up Salomon Rondon for a simple tap-in at the near post. Chile was reduced to 10 men when Marcelino Nunez received his second yellow card for dissent. This was just moments after a crude challenge on Cristian Casseres, who was booked. Darwin Machis sealed the result by sweeping home from close range after Casseres headed Soteldo’s cross.
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This outcome at Maturin’s Estadio Monumental leaves Venezuela with seven points from four qualifiers as they aim for their first-ever appearance in football’s premier tournament. Chile has four points with just one victory thus far.
In other South American zone FIFA World Cup qualifier games, Ecuador played to a goalless home draw against Colombia, while Paraguay secured a 1-0 home win over Bolivia.
