Brazil clinch World Cup spot as Carlo Ancelotti enjoys home debut in charge

 Brazil secured a spot at the 2026 World Cup with a 1-0 victory over Paraguay in a successful home debut for new manager Carlo Ancelotti.

The Italian’s second match in charge made for a memorable night in Sao Paulo, courtesy of Vinicius Jr’s 43rd-minute goal.

The hosts dominated possession, but managed just four shots on target as Paraguay took the result down to the wire.

The result was still much-improved from Ancelotti’s debut in last week’s goalless draw against Peru.

The win lifts Brazil to third in South American qualifying, level on points with second-placed Ecuador who sealed their World Cup place with a goalless draw in Peru.

The top six teams in CONMEBOL qualifying receive automatic qualification.

Elsewhere, first-place Argentina drew 1-1 with sixth-place Colombia after Thiago Almada’s goal in the 81st minute cancelled out Luis Diaz’s 24th-minute opener.

Source: https://onefootball.com/en/news/brazil-clinch-world-cup-spot-as-carlo-ancelotti-enjoys-home-debut-in-charge-41230769

Monday’s briefing: Matheus Cunha and Caoimhin Kelleher set for transfers

 Manchester United started their summer business by reaching an agreement with Wolves to sign Matheus Cunha.

The Brazilian forward will be Ruben Amorim’s first summer signing after a disappointing campaign saw the Red Devils finish 15th in the Premier League and lose to Tottenham in the Europa League final.

From Molineux to Old Trafford

Brazil forward Cunha has been in Manchester over the weekend to put the finishing touches to his move to Old Trafford, which is subject to a visa and registration.

The 26-year-old, who has won 13 senior caps for Brazil, scored 18 goals in all competitions last season.

A United statement read: “Manchester United has reached agreement with Wolverhampton Wanderers for the signing of Matheus Cunha.

“The Brazilian forward’s signing is subject to visa and registration. Everyone at Manchester United looks forward to welcoming Matheus to Old Trafford.”

England squad enjoy F1 before qualifier

England took time out of their preparations for the World Cup qualifier against Andorra by enjoying a day at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Captain Harry Kane and his men watched on as Oscar Piastri pipped Lando Norris in Barcelona.

Meanwhile, despite not being named in the squad, Manchester City defender John Stones has also linked up with Thomas Tuchel’s group to continue his rehabilitation following a spell on the sidelines and was pictured alongside Kane at the circuit.

Oldham secure promotion

There were 52,115 in attendance at Wembley as Oldham scored twice in two minutes in extra time to beat Southend 3-2 in the National League play-off final and secure promotion to League Two.

Manny Monthe’s early own goal was cancelled out by Joe Garner’s penalty before Southend went ahead through Leon Chambers-Parillon’s 91st-minute goal.

But James Norwood and Kian Harratt struck to help Oldham follow Barnet into the English Football League.

Brentford look to Kelleher

With Mark Flekken set to move to Bayer Leverkusen, Brentford have turned to Kelleher.

A reported initial fee of £12.5m for the second-choice Liverpool goalkeeper can rise to £18m if performance-related requirements are met.

Republic of Ireland international Kelleher, who has a year left on his contract at Anfield, played over a quarter of the champions’ Premier League matches this season when first-choice Alisson Becker was injured.

What’s on today?

Australia’s Matildas host Argentina in an international friendly in Canberra, with South Korea and Colombia also facing off.

Source: https://onefootball.com/en/news/mondays-briefing-matheus-cunha-and-caoimhin-kelleher-set-for-transfers-41192785