Matchday 3 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers CONMEBOL saw a surprise as Venezuela held Brazil to a 1-1 draw, but many disregarded the result as a sign of overconfidence. However, Uruguay’s domination over Brazil in the Estadio Centenario today shows that the blip on Friday was just the beginning. Despite fielding a start-studded lineup with Neymar, Vinicius and Rodrygo, Brazil failed to pose a threat to Sergio Rochet, and the La Celeste capitalise on their own chances and delivered Brazil their first defeat in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers CONMEBOL and ended their international break in second over the Selecao.
Darwin Núñez Inspires Uruguay to First Win Over Brazil in 22 Years
Darwin Núñez’s progression this season has been splendid to see, and he continued his form in this 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers CONMEBOL fixture against Brazil with a goal and an assist. While the first 40 minutes lacked action in front of the goal, with neither side registering an attempt on goal, the two sides felt content in breaking up play as the two sides combined for 17 fouls.
However, Darwin Núñez decided he had enough in the 42nd minute, as the first attempt of the match ended in the back of the net as the Uruguaians header flew past Ederson in goal. Despite VAR pausing for two minutes, which would give Liverpool fans some nightmare, the goal eventually stood, and Uruguay led the game 1-0. The disaster continued soon after for Brazil, and Neymar left the pitch on a stretcher before the referee blew for halftime.
Perhaps motivated by their leader’s unfortunate departure, the Selecao gave more in the second half. Rodrygo sent a free kick straight at the crossbar before the ref waved off Vinicius’s two appeals of someone fouling him at least twice in the box. However, it was not their night as Darwin Núñez held off Gabriel before setting Nicolás de la Cruz for an easy tap-in. To rub salt in the wounds, the second scorer was the one who contested a ball with Neymar where he tripped and fell in the first half.
@alex.mac.alisterDarwin nunez goal vs Brazil 🦁🔥🥶♬ original sound – alex mac alister 🇦🇷 1️⃣0️⃣
Neymar Leaves the Pitch in Tears in Matchday 4 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers CONMEBOL
It has not been the best of years for Neymar despite his multi-million move to Al Hilal, as fans and manager heavily criticised the Brazilian for his performances prior to Matchday 3 and 4 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers CONMEBOL. A fan even threw popcorn at him after their surprising draw against Venezuela last Friday.
While reports have since stated that the person did not hold malicious intent, Neymar’s fortune turned from back to worse against Uruguay in matchday 4 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers CONMEBOL, as he left the pitch in tears with a knee injury at the end of the first half. Fans also spotted the Brazilian leaving the stadium on crutches. The Brazilian seems to have gotten the apparent knee injury when he tripped and fell as he jostled for possession with Nicolas de la Cruz. His knee appeared to buckle under his weight as he fell to the ground, and he held his left knee, screaming in agony and writhing on the floor.
After being carried off a stretcher in tears after this 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers CONMEBOL, Neymar was in no position to speak with reporters, but he did post on Instagram that “God knows about all things. All the honour and all the glory will always be yours, my Lord. No matter what, I have faith.” The Brazilian team doctor, Rodrigo Lasmar, has also mentioned that the next 24 hours are crucial, and they will wait for exams calmly, evaluate calmly, and provide updates to supporters as soon as possible.
Neymar Jr leaves the pitch crying after new injury tonight vs Uruguay! 🇧🇷
It looks like serious injury again for Ney as he was going off on stretcher… with hands on his face. pic.twitter.com/G1qsqRrePm
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 18, 2023
Argentina Is Dominating Proceedings in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers CONMEBOL
While Brazil are struggling in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers CONMEBOL as they fall to third in the standings, their rivals, Argentina, are dominating with 4 wins from 4. With the 2023 Ballon d’Or less than 2 weeks away, Lionel Messi is demonstrating why he is the favourite ahead of Erling Haaland as he scored the only two goals today in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers CONMEBOL match against Peru.
With those two goals, Messi has now surpassed old compatriot Luis Suárez (29) with 31 goals and became the all-time top scorer in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying. It came just a day after Ronaldo became the leading goal scorer in 2023. Just goes to show how dominant the two GOATs are. Who is your preferred footballer among the two? Let us know in the comments below.
Lionel Messi passes Luis Suárez as the all-time top scorer in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying 🧉 pic.twitter.com/LBV4jTRE1D
— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 18, 2023
