On March 21, 2025, Brazil will meet Colombia in a highly anticipated match of the World Cup 2026 qualifiers. This match marks the 13th round of the qualifying competition, and it will kick off at 03:45 Moscow time in Brazil.
Recently, both teams have had ups and downs in their performances. Brazil comes into this match after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Uruguay. Currently, they sit in 5th place in the South American qualifying table with a total of 18 points. On the other hand, Colombia occupies the 4th position with 19 points, having lost its most recent match against Ecuador 0-1.
Brazil's position in the standings is unusual, as they find themselves trailing behind Colombia after 12 rounds of qualifying. Typically, only the top four teams from South America qualify for the World Cup, but for this cycle, six teams will advance, which means both Brazil and Colombia should still have a reasonable chance of qualifying.
Bookmakers have Brazil as the favorite going into this match, offering odds of 1.73 for a win. A draw is priced at 3.60, while a victory for Colombia is seen as less likely, attracting odds of 6.10. This indicates the expectation that Brazil will dominate the match.
Under the guidance of coach Dorival Junior, Brazil is working to restore balance in their game. They have scored 17 goals but have also conceded 11 in the last 12 matches. Although Brazil has made strides in their qualifications, their recent performances have raised questions about their attacking capabilities. The lack of a decisive striker is evident, as players like Igar Jesus and Kunia have struggled to impress. Injuries to key players such as Ederson, Danilo, and Neymar have further complicated their offensive strategies.
Colombia has shown resilience but has faced difficulties recently, suffering three consecutive losses against notable teams. Despite this, they famously defeated Argentina in autumn 2024, showcasing their potential. However, in their last match against Ecuador, which they lost, they managed 25 shots but failed to convert any, demonstrating their challenges in finishing.
James Rodriguez continues to lead Colombia's attack alongside forwards like Luis Diaz and Duran. Duran, however, will miss the Brazil match due to a suspension, placing extra pressure on other players to step up. In his absences, Cordoba may be tasked with filling that role against the tough Brazilian defense.
Historically, Brazil holds a strong record against Colombia, having only lost four times in their 37 meetings. In World Cup qualifying, Colombia has never won in Brazil, accounting for two draws and five losses. The last few matches have been tightly contested, with Brazil scoring in their last four outings, suggesting a possibility of goals in the upcoming game.
Expert insights indicate that the match is likely to be a low-scoring affair, with predictions pointing towards a total of under 2.5 goals due to both teams struggling to convert chances into goals. The match’s pace and intensity could lead to a few opportunities, but both teams must maintain discipline to avoid individual errors that could prove costly.
In a tactical sense, Brazil is expected to dominate ball possession and tempo, relying on their individual talent. Meanwhile, Colombia will aim to defend compactly and look for quick counter-attacks. This style of play allows Colombia to exploit weaknesses in Brazil's defense while maintaining a balanced approach to their own game.
As the match draws nearer, fans can expect an engaging encounter with the potential for high intensity and strategic football. With both teams vying for crucial points in the qualification standings, the stakes could not be higher. Brazil will likely push for a victory to regain footing in their qualifying journey, while Colombia will be eager to re-establish themselves amidst their recent struggles.
Should Brazil manage to convert their possession into goals, they could secure vital points to enhance their chances of directly qualifying for the World Cup. As for Colombia, they need to overcome their recent run of form to solidify their position in the standings. This match can provide either team with a significant boost as they look towards the World Cup.
