Brazil's path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup hit a snag after only managing a 1–1 draw with Venezuela at the Estadio Monumental de Maturín. After securing just two victories in its first six 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers,

Vinicius Junior's costly penalty miss resulted in Brazil dropping points against Venezuela in the 2026 CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier on Thursday night.

Brazil’s Vinicius Jr missed a chance to win the game with a penalty against a Venezuelan side who played the last minutes of the game down to 10-man.

After securing just two victories in its first six 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Brazil was back to winning ways in October, collecting three points against Chile and Peru. Dorival Júnior's side could not make it three wins in a row, though, and started its November international break with a wasteful draw.

Argentina's Lionel Messi and Brazil's Vinicius Júnior had frustrating nights in South American World Cup qualifying. While Messi could not help his team avoid a 2-1 defeat at Paraguay, Vinicius Junior missed a second-half penalty as Brazil was held to a 1-1 draw at Venezuela on Thursday.