The Daily Star Ireland
Bolivia and Brazil will square off in El Alto on September 9 as the South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup near their conclusion. The stakes could not be more different: Brazil has already secured its ticket to North America and sits safely in third, while Bolivia clings to the hope of sneaking into the intercontinental playoff, trailing Venezuela by just one point. The high-altitude Estadio Municipal Villa Ingenio, notorious for testing even the fittest visitors, adds an extra layer of intrigue to this decisive contest.
Bolivia’s Last Stand
Under coach Óscar Villegas, Bolivia has undergone a quiet revival. His side has embraced an aggressive, pressing style tailored to the oxygen-thin conditions of El Alto, where visiting teams often struggle to keep pace. Their 4-0 dismantling of Venezuela and 2-0 victory over Chile at home highlight their growing confidence. However, controversy threatens to overshadow their progress. A doping scandal involving Ramiro Vaca and Boris Céspedes has raised the possibility of sanctions, casting a shadow over their campaign. Despite this turbulence, young talents like Miguel Terceros and Robson Tome have injected energy and optimism into a squad determined to end a World Cup drought that stretches back to 1994.
Brazil in Transition
For Brazil, these matches serve as an opportunity to experiment under Carlo Ancelotti. While their qualification is assured, the Selecão’s performances have been steady rather than spectacular. Recent results—a narrow 1-0 win over Paraguay and a goalless draw against Ecuador—reflect a pragmatic approach. Key veterans such as Marquinhos remain central in defense, but notable absences, including Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, suggest squad rotation is a priority. The goalkeeping battle between Ederson and Alisson is still unresolved, and Ancelotti continues to test midfield combinations. Even so, Brazil’s sheer depth ensures they remain a daunting opponent, regardless of who takes the field.
What to Expect
Bolivia will count on altitude, intensity, and desperation to level the playing field against a more talented rival. Their urgency could make this a far tighter affair than expected, especially with the crowd behind them. Terceros’ creativity could prove pivotal in unlocking chances, while Brazil may look to João Pedro or another young forward to provide the finishing touch.
Although Bolivia is desperate for points, Brazil’s discipline and pedigree cannot be ignored. The likeliest scenario points to a narrow Brazilian win, but not without a fight. A 2-1 scoreline in favor of the visitors feels realistic, with Bolivia making their mark but falling just short against South America’s giants.
Prediction: Bolivia 1 : 2 Brazil
