Two national teams begin their journey toward a North American World Cup in 2026 with distinct aims guiding their steps.
Brazil and Bolivia are scheduled to meet at a stadium on Friday evening, which translates to an early Saturday kickoff in Spain. The venue in question is Olimpico do Para in Bethlehem, Brazil. This match marks the initial test for both sides on the demanding road through South American qualifying toward the 2026 World Cup, staged in North America.
The Brazil side, led by stars like Rodrygo and Raphinha, will host Bolivia hoping to secure the tournament’s first three points in these qualifiers. Success here could lay the groundwork for Brazil to push toward another World Cup appearance, a program long secure in the modern era. As FIFA continues to expand the tournament field, Brazil appears well positioned to maintain its streak of qualification, though a strong start is always crucial in these early rounds.