Our prediction for this World Cup 2026 match:
All eyes will be on Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Melendez when Colombia and Brazil face each other in a highly-anticipated World Cup qualifier. Los Cafeteros head into the match following a goalless draw with Uruguay, and, no doubt, they would be happy with one point from Sunday’s clash as well. James Rodriguez is out of contention through injury, and, in his absence, a man to watch in the home team will be Juventus ace Juan Cuadrado.
The Selecao, on the other hand, came from behind to beat Venezuela 3-1 in Caracas, with the team keeping their 100% record in the 2022 WC qualifiers intact. Leeds United ace Raphinha impressed on his Brazil debut, and, as a result, he should start against Colombia. Since PSG superstar Neymar returns from suspension, we believe that there is a big value in betting on the South America group leaders.
Highlighted Player (James Rodriguez):
James Rodriguez is an attacking midfielder who plays for Spanish giants Real Madrid. The Colombian superstar played for the likes of Envigado and Banfield at the start of his career and he moved to Europe in 2010, joining Portuguese side Porto for a fee of €5.1 million.
James scored 25 goals in 63 league appearances with the Dragons and in 2013 he joined Monaco. His transfer to the Ligue 1 side was the second most expensive in the history of Portuguese Primeira Liga (€45 million) and he signed a five-year contract with les Rouges et Blancs. The Colombian ace impressed at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and, as a result, Real Madrid chiefs signed him on 22 July, 2014 for an undisclosed fee.
However, reports in Spain suggested that the fee was approximately €80 million. Rodriguez scored 13 goals in 29 league appearances for Real Madrid in the 2014/2015 Primera Division campaign and he was in Gareth Bale’s shadow in the 2015/2016 season. James is well known for his technical skills, his vision and the ability to create goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Highlighted Team (Brazil):
One of the most decorated teams in world football, Selecao have also been regarded as one of the most attractive and exciting teams with glowing reputation preceding them. Members of the CONMEBOL confederation, Brazil have played their first international in 1914 losing to bitter rivals Argentina with a comfortable 3-0 margin.
Brazil is the most successful nation in the FIFA World Cup with five championship title to their name. However, Selecao failed to advance past the quarter-finals of the last two tournaments last winning their World Cup in 2002. Their last title was the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and the star-studded team will be looking to get back to winning ways at this year’s historic Copa America Centenario in the United States.
Legendary Pele is Brazil’s top scorer with 77 goals to his name, while the team’s biggest star of the modern era Barcelona forward Neymar is sitting in fifth place having so far netted 46.