Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay Qualify for the World Cup

Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay have joined Argentina, Brazil, and Ecuador in securing their places at the 2026 FIFA World Cup from the South American qualifiers, following Matchday 17, the penultimate round of CONMEBOL qualifying.

Uruguay, under the guidance of Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa, booked their spot with a 3-0 win over hosts Peru. Colombia also qualified with a 3-0 victory over Bolivia, while Paraguay secured their place with a goalless draw against Ecuador.

At the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, in front of 60,000 spectators, Uruguay’s Rodrigo Aguirre opened the scoring with a powerful header in the 14th minute. Flamengo midfielder Giorgian De Arrascaeta doubled the lead in the 58th minute, before substitute Federico Viñas of Real Oviedo completed the scoring in the 80th. 

This marks Bielsa’s third national team to reach the World Cup, following Argentina in 2002 (exiting in the group stage) and Chile in 2010, whom he led to the Round of 16 before losing 3-0 to Brazil. 

Uruguay moved up to third place with 27 points, 11 behind leaders Argentina, who defeated Venezuela 3-0, and one point behind Brazil, who beat Chile by the same score.

Colombia sealed their qualification with a 3-0 win over Bolivia, with goals from veteran James Rodríguez (31’), Juan Córdoba (74’), and Juan Fernando Quintero (83’). 

Colombia rose to fifth place with 25 points, ahead of Paraguay on goal difference, as the latter secured their ninth-ever World Cup appearance with a 0-0 draw against Ecuador.

Messi Bids Farewell in Argentina with a Brace

Lionel Messi scored twice for Argentina at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, in front of 80,000 spectators, in his final official match at home during the qualifiers. 

The Inter Miami star and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner showcased his brilliance again with goals in the 39th and 80th minutes, following key assists from Atlético Madrid forwards Julián Álvarez and Thiago Almada.

Inter Milan striker and captain Lautaro Martínez also netted in the 76th minute, just two minutes after coming on as a substitute, with an assist from Nicolás González. 

While Messi has yet to confirm participation in the next World Cup at age 39, all indications suggest he will play a central role under coach Lionel Scaloni, concluding his international career on football’s biggest stage. 

Scaloni is expected to rest his captain in the final match against Ecuador in the 18th round.

Argentina reinforced their position at the top of the qualifiers with 38 points, while Venezuela remained seventh with 18 points, the playoff spot. 

The battle for the playoff ticket is now down to Venezuela and eighth-placed Bolivia, separated by a single point. The final round, scheduled for next Wednesday, will be decisive, with Venezuela hosting Colombia and Bolivia visiting Brazil.

Argentina maintained a ten-point lead over their direct rival and traditional foe, Brazil, who extended their record of five World Cup titles by defeating Chile 3-0 despite the absence of stars Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo. 

New Chelsea signing Éverton opened the scoring for coach Carlo Ancelotti’s side in the 38th minute, Lucas Paquetá of West Ham added a second in the 72nd, and Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimarães completed the 3-0 win in the 76th minute.