South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup
In a decisive round of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay have guaranteed their participation in the tournament. The qualifiers took place on Thursday, which was critical as teams approached the final stages of this competitive process.
Key Performances
Uruguay and Colombia delivered commanding performances, each recording a 3-0 victory, while Paraguay managed a goalless draw, all of which secured their tickets to the World Cup. They join Argentina, Brazil, and Ecuador, who have already clinched their spots in the upcoming event.
Peru’s Disappointment
Peru‘s aspirations for World Cup advancement have been dashed, as they needed to secure wins in both of their last matches but fell short with a loss to Uruguay.
Match Highlights
Colombia’s James Rodríguez ignited the scoring in the 31st minute against Bolivia, followed by goals from John Cordoba and Juan Fernando Quintero in the second half that solidified their win.
Meanwhile, Paraguay is set to return to the World Cup arena for the first time since 2010, when they reached the quarterfinals in South Africa, falling to Spain, the eventual champions.
Argentina’s Dominance
Argentina continued to assert its dominance in South American football by defeating Venezuela 3-0, with Lionel Messi netting two goals. This impressive performance keeps Argentina comfortably at the top of the standings.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, the 2026 World Cup promises to be historic, featuring a record 48 teams and hosted across three countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Automatic qualifications will go to the three hosting nations, while the remaining spots will be filled through continental qualifying matches and intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March 2026, among six competing teams.
