Match Preview - Bolivia vs Brazil FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifying Match

The thin air of La Paz presents one of football’s most challenging environments as Bolivia welcome five-time World Cup winners Brazil in a crucial CONMEBOL qualifier. Bolivia vs Brazil, at over 12,000 feet above sea level, Bolivia’s fortress-like advantage has historically troubled even the most elite teams, while Brazil seeks to solidify 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes despite recent inconsistencies.

Bolivia, seeking their first-ever World Cup appearance, will rely heavily on the notorious altitude of El Alto to level the playing field against technically superior opposition. Brazil, meanwhile, must overcome both the physical challenge of high altitude and their own recent struggles to maintain their position among South America’s World Cup contenders.

Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Time: 19:30 BOT (23:30 UTC)
Venue: Estadio Municipal de El Alto, El Alto, Bolivia
Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualification – CONMEBOL

The thin air of La Paz presents one of football’s most challenging environments as Bolivia welcome five-time World Cup winners Brazil in a crucial CONMEBOL qualifier. At over 12,000 feet above sea level, Bolivia’s fortress-like advantage has historically troubled even the most elite teams, while Brazil seeks to solidify their World Cup qualification hopes despite recent inconsistencies.

Bolivia vs Brazil FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifying Match, team news, H2H, lineups, and prediction

This fixture represents a David vs Goliath encounter with unique circumstances that could potentially favor the underdogs. Bolivia enters this match sitting 8th in the CONMEBOL standings with 17 points from 17 matches, desperately needing points to keep their World Cup dreams alive. Brazil occupies 3rd place with 28 points but has shown vulnerability in recent outings, making this a must-win encounter for both sides.

The venue change from the traditional Estadio Hernando Siles to Estadio Municipal de El Alto maintains Bolivia’s altitude advantage at approximately 4,150 meters (13,615 feet) above sea level. This represents one of the highest professional football matches played regularly, presenting significant physiological challenges for visiting teams.

Recent Form

This encounter promises to be one of the most challenging fixtures in Brazil’s qualifying campaign, with Bolivia’s altitude advantage potentially leveling the playing field against one of world football’s traditional powers.

Bolivia – Last 5 Matches

Date	Opponent	Result	Competition
Sep 4, 2025	Colombia	L 0-3	WC Qual
Jun 10, 2025	Chile	W 2-0	WC Qual
Jun 6, 2025	Venezuela	L 0-2	WC Qual
Mar 25, 2025	Uruguay	D 0-0	WC Qual
Mar 21, 2025	Peru	L 1-3	WC Qual

Brazil – Last 5 Matches

Date	Opponent	Result	Competition
Sep 4, 2025	Chile	W 3-0	WC Qual
Jun 12, 2025	Paraguay	D 1-1	WC Qual
Jun 8, 2025	Ecuador	L 0-1	WC Qual
Mar 27, 2025	Argentina	W 2-1	Friendly
Mar 23, 2025	Spain	L 0-2	Friendly

Bolivia vs Brazil Head to Head

The historical record heavily favors Brazil, who have dominated this fixture with overwhelming superiority. Brazil has won 24 matches against Bolivia while suffering only 5 defeats, with 4 draws completing the record. The goal difference tells an even starker story, with Brazil scoring 98 goals compared to Bolivia’s mere 11 across their encounters.

However, Bolivia’s victories have come exclusively at home in La Paz, highlighting the importance of altitude advantage. Their most famous triumph was a 2-1 victory in 2009, while their 2-0 win in 1993 remains etched in Bolivian football folklore.

Matches Played	Bolivia Wins	Brazil Wins	Draws	Goals For Bolivia	Goals For Brazil
33	5	24	4	11	98

Team News

Bolivia will field their strongest available lineup under coach Antonio Carlos Zago. Key players include striker Marcelo Terceros, who has scored 6 goals in 11 international appearances this qualifying cycle. Midfielder Ramiro Vaca and forward Carmelo Algarañaz provide additional attacking threats, while veteran goalkeeper Carlos Lampe remains crucial between the posts.

Brazil faces several selection dilemmas under coach Dorival Júnior. Star forward Vinícius Júnior is expected to lead the attack alongside Raphinha, who has scored 5 goals in 12 appearances during qualifying. The midfield will likely feature Bruno Guimarães and Casemiro, while Alisson retains the goalkeeper position despite recent inconsistencies.

Current Possible Starting Lineup

Bolivia (4-4-2):

Lampe; Fernández, Haquin, Sagredo, Bejarano; Villamil, Villarroel, Vaca, Terceros; Algarañaz, Moreno

Brazil (4-2-3-1):

Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Guilherme Arana; Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães; Raphinha, Paquetá, Vinícius Júnior; Rodrygo

Match Prediction

Despite Brazil’s overwhelming historical advantage and superior individual quality, Bolivia’s altitude fortress makes this fixture uniquely unpredictable. Brazil’s recent struggles, including a shock defeat to Ecuador in Quito, demonstrate their vulnerability away from home in challenging South American conditions.

Bolivia will employ their traditional defensive strategy, hoping to frustrate Brazil and capitalize on any set-piece opportunities. The altitude factor cannot be understated – visiting teams typically experience reduced physical performance, particularly in the second half when oxygen debt becomes most apparent.

Predicted Result:

Brazil’s quality should ultimately prevail, but expect a much closer contest than the historical record suggests. Bolivia’s home advantage and desperate need for points make them dangerous opponents in these unique conditions.