Brazil eyes World Cup ticket at lucky Itaquera stadium

Brazil could secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup this Tuesday at a stadium that has brought nothing but joy in recent campaigns: the Neo Química Arena in São Paulo. With decisive victories there during the 2018 and 2022 qualifying cycles, the Seleção now looks to complete the trifecta against Paraguay in matchday 16 of the CONMEBOL qualifiers.

According to Brazilian media, Carlo Ancelotti’s team must beat Paraguay (kickoff at 9:45 p.m. local time) and hope Uruguay defeats Venezuela in Montevideo. If that match ends in a draw, Brazil would still have a chance to seal their WC spot — provided Argentina overcomes Colombia at home.

The venue, home to Corinthians, has become something of a lucky charm for Brazil. On March 28, 2017, under Tite, the Seleção booked its ticket to Russia 2018 with a dominant 3–0 win over Paraguay, thanks to goals from Philippe Coutinho, Marcelo, and Neymar. Four years later, in November 2021, the qualification for Qatar 2022 was sealed there with a 1–0 victory over Colombia, courtesy of Lucas Paquetá.

This time, the team is under new leadership, with Ancelotti guiding a squad in transition — blending veterans with emerging talents. Still, the mission is clear: win at their spiritual home and hope the pieces fall into place elsewhere. A third consecutive qualification in Itaquera would not only confirm Brazil’s place in North America 2026, but reinforce the stadium’s reputation as the Seleção’s modern-day fortress.