Bruno Guimaraes took his Newcastle United form into Brazil’s latest World Cup qualifier in the early hours of Friday morning.
The 27-year-old was named in Carlo Ancelotti’s starting XI for the game against Chile, with the Newcastle United captain deployed in midfield alongside Manchester United’s Casemiro.
It proved to be a night to remember for Bruno Guimaraes, who played a key role in Brazil winning 3-0. He even got himself a goal, netting Brazil’s third of the night. It is just the second time that Bruno has scored for his country.
Bruno has started Newcastle’s season very well, and it was great to see him continue to shine on the international stage.
Brazil v Chile - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier
Photo by Marco Galvao/Sports Press Photo/Getty Images
Bruno Guimaraes produces ‘textbook performance’ as Brazil beat Chile 3-0
That was certainly how the Brazilian media viewed his performance, with Globo Esporte giving Bruno an eight out of 10 for his display.
They were blown away with the midfielder, who received the joint-highest score alongside Luiz Henrique.
On Bruno’s performance against Chile, Globo Esporte wrote: “A textbook performance for a dynamic midfielder with a strong presence in the final third and a strong presence in the defensive midfield.
“He had a good first half but seemed subdued compared to his second-half performance. He tackled, built plays, set up teammates, and scored. He twice set up Martinelli in excellent position to finish, linked up with Luiz Henrique for the third, and was the team’s driving force.”
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Have Brazil qualified for the World Cup?
The result leaves Brazil second in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings, 10 points behind leaders and World Cup holders Argentina.
While the Selecao will wish that gap was closer due to their rivalry with Argentina, it does not matter in the grand scheme of things.
That is because Brazil have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup. Carlo Ancelotti’s side are guaranteed to finish in the top six, ensuring they will be part of international football’s biggest tournament next summer.
It will mean Bruno is going to his second-ever World Cup, assuming he is selected in Brazil’s squad. That seems extremely likely, given the fact he is a regular starter.
Bruno and Brazil’s next game is away to Bolivia on Tuesday night, in what will be their final World Cup qualifier.
It will be interesting to see if Ancelotti rotates his side. If he does, there will be disappointment for Bruno’s Toon teammate Joelinton.
Joelinton had to withdraw from the Brazil squad due to injury, having been forced off during the defeat to Liverpool. While it has meant he has missed Brazil’s remaining two World Cup qualifiers, Joelinton’s injury is not serious.