Brazil began their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in style, thrashing Bolivia 5-1 in Belem on Saturday. Neymar scored twice, including a record-breaking goal that made him the all-time leading scorer for Brazil, while Rodrigo Goes also scored twice. Rafinha added the other goal for the hosts.
Brazil were dominant from the start of the match and created several chances before Rodrigo broke the deadlock in the 24th minute. Rafinha’s shot was blocked by the goalkeeper, but the ball fell to Rodrigo, who made no mistake from close range.
Brazil missed the opportunity to double their lead in the 33rd minute, but they made amends in the second half. Rafinha doubled the lead in the 47th minute, Neymar set up Rodrigo for his second goal in the 54th minute, and Neymar then scored his record-breaking goal in the 61st minute.
Neymar’s goal took him past Pele as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer. Pele scored 77 goals in 92 appearances for Brazil, while Neymar has now scored 78 goals in 125 appearances.
Brazil completed the scoring in stoppage time when Neymar scored his second goal of the match. Bolivia pulled a goal back in the 78th minute through Victor Abrego, but it was too little too late for the visitors.
The win was a perfect start to Brazil’s World Cup qualifying campaign and puts them in a strong position to qualify for the tournament in 2026. Neymar’s record-breaking goal was the icing on the cake for the hosts, and he will be hoping to continue his goalscoring form in the upcoming matches.
