La Paz, Bolivia – In a stunning upset, Bolivia defeated Brazil 1-0 on September 12, 2024, at the Hernando Siles Stadium, securing their place in the 2026 world Cup repechage. The historic victory marks the frist time Bolivia has defeated Brazil in a World Cup qualifying match and offers a pathway too the expanded 48-team tournament.
The win, secured by a goal from Marcelo Moreno in the 86th minute, dramatically shifts the landscape of South American qualifying. Bolivia’s advancement to the repechage – a final qualification tournament involving teams from different confederations – represents a important achievement for Bolivian football and provides a chance to reach their first World Cup since 1994. The result also throws Brazil’s qualifying campaign into sharper focus, as they navigate the increasingly competitive CONMEBOL zone.
Bolivia entered the match as significant underdogs against the five-time World Cup champions. Despite playing at altitude in La Paz, few anticipated a victory. However, a resolute defensive performance and a clinical finish from Moreno propelled Bolivia to a momentous win.
The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and will feature 48 teams for the first time in it’s history. The repechage offers a last chance for several nations to secure a coveted spot in the tournament. Bolivia will now await their repechage opponent and prepare for a high-stakes playoff battle.