WC 2026 Qualification Prediction: Brazil – Bolivia (09-09-2023)

Bolivia is unlucky to play Brazil in the first World Cup qualifier and then Argentina at home. This may be one of the explanations for the 43 players and 21 debutants in the squad.

Bolivia warmed up for the match with a friendly against Panama (1:2 defeat), in which most of the new and young players got some playing time. Panama was not the favourite against Bolivia, but the latter still lost.

What awaits them is a high-level match against Brazil and Argentina. Bolivia has not been able to perform well in World Cup qualifiers for 30 years, and if it has won, it has only been at home. The Bolivian national team does not have any high-level footballers.

Most players play for Club Bolivar, which performed well in the Copa Libertadores. For more information about this league, check out our in-depth analysis of Copa Libertadores betting.

Of the players who play abroad, the midfielder Cespedes and the experienced local hero Martins (Ecuador) stand out, but the latter is 36 years old.

The Brazilian team will not be the strongest, but strong enough to defeat Bolivia. Militao and Sandro will not play in defence, and Jesus and Vinicius Junior are missing in attack. Still, with Gabriel from Arsenal and Rodrygo from Real Madrid, this does not bode well for the opponents.

Brazil is currently without a permanent coach after a disappointing World Cup. However, Fluminense coach Fernando Diniz is working on an interim basis, which is not bad considering their progress since his arrival.

Brazil rarely has problems in World Cup qualifiers. Brazil has not lost a single home game in this millennium; only nine times have the hosts taken a point.

Brazil is a big favourite and has many good players on the pitch. Bolivia is not their match, especially when playing away. Bolivia does not have high-level players; the best of them is 36 years old, and it will be difficult for him to impact the pitch as he used to do.

Bolivia expects a packed stadium in Brazil as this is their first qualifying match for the World Cup. So the real threat here is a crushing defeat for Bolivia, which is not finding its game.

Brazil has had no problems against Bolivia in recent years. Four of the five meetings since 2016 have ended in 3+ goal victories.

This WC 2026 Qualification prediction is for guidance only and we are not responsible for your bets.