2026 WCQ: Vinicius Strikes Late as Brazil Snatch Dramatic Win Over Colombia

• Vinicius Jr. scores a 99th-minute winner as Brazil beats Colombia 2-1 in World Cup qualifier.
• Raphinha gave Brazil an early lead; Luis Diaz equalized for Colombia before halftime.
• Brazil stays second in CONMEBOL standings, four points behind leaders Argentina.

Vinicius Junior scored a stoppage-time winner to hand Brazil a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Colombia in Thursday’s South American World Cup qualifier, boosting their qualification hopes.

Brazil struck first in the 6th minute when Raphinha converted a penalty after Vinicius was fouled by Daniel Muñoz. Colombia responded in the 41st minute with a superb equalizer from Luis Díaz.

Colombia dominated much of the second half, but Brazil held firm and remained a threat on the counter, with Guilherme Arana nearly scoring in the 82nd minute.

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After a lengthy stoppage due to an injury to Brazil goalkeeper Alisson Becker, Vinicius clinched the win in the 99th minute with a deflected shot that beat the Colombian keeper.

Elsewhere, Paraguay edged Chile 1-0, dropping them to the bottom of the table, while Peru defeated Bolivia 3-1 with goals from Andy Polo, Paolo Guerrero, and Edison Flores.

Brazil now sit second in the CONMEBOL standings, four points behind leaders Argentina, who face Uruguay on Friday.

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