MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay.- Uruguay defeated Brazil 2-0 in a match for the fourth round of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, ending a streak of over 22 years without beating their rival.

La Celeste (Uruguay) secured their victory at the Centenario stadium with goals from Darwin Núñez in the first half and Nicolás de la Cruz in the second. To make matters worse for Brazil, they lost Neymar to a knee injury, with the star player leaving the pitch on a stretcher and in tears.

Uruguay now has seven points in the standings, surpassing Brazil on goal difference and second place behind Argentina.

In the initial stages, La Celeste pressed high to disrupt Brazil's build-up play. Brazil responded by moving the ball in the final third, looking to exploit the speed of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Góes.

Marcelo Bielsa's side then retreated a few meters and played long balls to Darwin Núñez, who was closely marked by Brazilian center-backs Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhaes.

Brazil went on the offensive, approaching the goal with good plays from their wingers, Neymar, and Gabriel Jesus. For this match, Jesus started, leaving Richarlison de Andrade on the bench.

The first half was nearing its end with both teams cautiously studying each other, giving little trouble to goalkeepers Sergio Rochet and Ederson Moraes.

However, in the 41st minute, Uruguay found an opening through Maximiliano Araujo on the left flank. The Toluca forward took the opportunity to assist Núñez, who scored with a powerful header.

La Celeste celebrated in front of more than 50,000 spectators at the stadium that hosted the first-ever World Cup final and will host a match in the 2030 World Cup.

Núñez, reflecting his current form, entered this matchday averaging 0.67 goals and 0.5 assists per game, as well as making 15.72 runs every 90 minutes of play.

After the goal, Brazil suffered a blow when Neymar Junior was injured in a clash with De la Cruz.

At the start of the second half, Bielsa's team dominated, coming close with a powerful shot from Federico Valverde.

Brazil retaliated with a corner and a header that didn't challenge Rochet. They also had a stunning free-kick from Rodrygo Goes that hit the crossbar.

Yet, it was La Celeste who advanced and in the 77th minute struck a decisive blow to their opponents.

After a scramble in the box, Núñez shielded the ball and laid it off to De la Cruz, who defeated Ederson with a powerful shot, sealing the 2-0 scoreline.

Thus, Uruguay secured their first victory over Brazil after 22 years, three months, and 16 days. They are moving steadily in the qualifiers, while Diniz's team ended this matchday without a win.

Match Details:

Uruguay 2: Sergio Rochet; Nahitan Nández (67', Bruno Méndez), Ronald Araujo, Sebastián Cáceres, Mathías Olivera (83', Mathías Viña); Federico Valverde, Manuel Ugarte, Nicolás de la Cruz; Facundo Pellistri (86', Joaquín Piquerez), Darwin Núñez, and Maximiliano Araujo (86', Matías Vecino).

Manager: Marcelo Bielsa.

Brazil 0: Ederson Moraes; Yan Couto (71', David Neres), Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Carlos Augusto (71', Guilherme Arana); Bruno Guimaraes (83', Raphael Veiga), Casemiro; Rodrygo Goes, Neymar (48', Richarlison), Vinicius Junior (83', Matheus Cunha), and Gabriel Jesus.

Manager: Fernando Diniz.

Goals: 1-0, 41': Darwin Núñez. 2-0, 77': Nicolás de la Cruz.

Referee: Alexis Herrera from Venezuela. Booked Ronald Araujo, Rodrygo Goes, Casemiro, Ederson Moraes, Darwin Núñez, Naithan Nández, Gabriel Jesus, Matheus Cunha.

Notes: The fourth round match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers was played in front of more than 50,000 spectators at the Centenario stadium in Montevideo.