Brazil hold Uruguay to 1-1 draw in World Cup qualifier

SALVADOR, Brazil: Brazil and Uruguay played out a tense 1-1 draw in their South American qualifier for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday. Gerson’s stunning volley equalized for Brazil after Federico Valverde had given the visitors the lead.

After a goalless first half, Real Madrid’s Valverde broke the deadlock in the 55th minute with a spectacular long-range strike that found the bottom corner. However, Brazil responded swiftly, with Flamengo midfielder Gerson capitalizing on a defensive error to score his first international goal with an exquisite volley in the 62nd minute.

The draw leaves five-time World Cup champions Brazil in fifth place in the CONMEBOL standings with 18 points, trailing Colombia and Ecuador by one point. Uruguay, with 20 points, remain second, five points behind leaders Argentina. The top six teams will secure automatic qualification for the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Brazil’s back-to-back draws have raised questions about their form, but with several matches remaining, their qualification hopes are still very much alive.