Qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway almost everywhere except Europe. South America has seen four rounds of matches, with Argentina leading the way ahead of traditional powerhouse Brazil, who will be looking to get back to winning ways when they lock horns with Colombia at the Estadio Metropolitano this week.
Colombia’s fortunes on the international stage have plummeted after former key figures such as Radamel Falcao and James Rodriguez have passed their prime. The new generation has yet to come through, Los Cafeteros have won just one of their four matches so far in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. That means they are still unbeaten in their campaign but have been draw specialists.
The same cannot be said for Brazil, as the Selecao have failed to win their last two matches after starting their qualifying campaign with back-to-back wins. The latest result was a 2-0 defeat to Uruguay, with Fernando Diniz’s men putting in a listless performance. And amid uncertainty surrounding the managerial situation, the South American giants are playing well with themselves.
The last match between Colombia and Brazil was a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier, with the Selecao securing a narrow 1-0 victory. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at the clash ahead of the last meeting between the two sides.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Montero; Mosquera, Cuesta, Sanchez, Machado; Uribe, Lerma; Jhon Arias, Rodriguez, Diaz; Borre
Probable Lineup (4-3-3):
Alisson; Emerson, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Augusto; Guimaraes, Andre, Joelinton; Rodrygo, Pedro, Vinicius Jr.