A last-minute goal by Vinícius Júnior secured Brazil's 2-1 win over Colombia in World Cup qualifying on Thursday, helping his team and millions of fans avoid more disappointment.

A draw would have seen Brazil slump to sixth in the South American standings. Instead, Brazil moved to second spot behind Argentina after Vinicius Júnior's long-range goal.

The top six teams are guaranteed spots at next year's World Cup in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, and so the victory released some pressure on Brazil coach Dorival Júnior ahead of next week's game against Argentina. The five-time champions have never missed a World Cup.

Lionel Scaloni's Argentina squad has 25 points after 12 games - four points clear of Brazil (21 points from 13 games) -- and is close to securing its place in the 2026 World Cup.

Argentina will be without Lionel Messi when it plays at Uruguay on Friday, four days before its scheduled showdown with Brazil. The last time the two South American powerhouses met, Argentina won 1-0 at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro in 2023.

Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimarães and defender Gabriel Magalhães were booked against Colombia and will miss the match in Buenos Aires on Tuesday. Colombia will play host to Paraguay on the same day.

Brazil appeared more energized than in previous games, with speed, high skill and an early goal from the spot suggesting that coach Dorival Júnior had found a starting lineup to get the job done.

But then a defensive mistake put it all at risk for the hosts in Brasilia until a moment of brilliance by Vinicius Júnior.

Raphinha scored in the sixth minute after Vinicius Júnior was fouled in the penalty box. After that, Brazil kept possession, but didn't put on real pressure to add a second in front of 70,000 fans.

Colombia equalized with a crossed shot by Luis Díaz in the 41st after substitute Joeliton, who replaced injured Gerson, lost the ball at the edge of Brazil's box.

Both teams struggled with accuracy in the second half until Vinicius Júnior took a shot from long distance which deflected off Jefferson Lerma and beat goalkeeper Camilo Vargas.

"This was very important, we deserved to win. I deserved this goal too for all I have worked for," Vinicius Júnior said of his first goal in this qualifying tournament. "It was a bit of relief, a bit of happiness."