Brazil and Uruguay draw 1-1 in World Cup qualification

Uruguay’s Federico Valverde’s opener was cancelled out by Gerson’s spectacular strike in South American qualifications for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday.

Five-time World Cup champions Brazil is sixth in CONMEBOL with 18 points, one behind Colombia and Ecuador, after their second straight tie. Uruguay holds second place with 20 points, five behind Argentina. The top six in the US, Mexico, and Canada will automatically qualify for the World Cup.

Valverde scored in the 55th minute with a beautifully curled long-range low drive into the far corner after a tense first half. After Uruguay’s defense failed to clear, Flamengo midfielder Gerson scored his first international goal with a great volley seven minutes later.

“I’d swap my goal for the win,” Gerson told Globo TV. They understood it was a tough game and wanted to win. The goal was conceded and equalized.

“We’ll keep working at our clubs and try again next year during another international break. We must persevere and believe our efforts.”

Brazil tried to score, but Luis Enrique and Raphinha missed as home fans booed at the Arena Fonte Nove.

“I think the booing is more about the result, because in my opinion we gave it all,” Raphinha.

“I’m proud of players and benchers. We tried our hardest to succeed. We played a lot of football and must depart proud.”

Dorival Junior, who took over in January, said his team had improved over the year despite poor results.