Argentina and Ecuador triumph in vital FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifying matches
🌟 FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in South America Heat Up 🌟
Round 13 of South America's race to the FIFA 2026 World Cup featured thrilling encounters like Uruguay vs Argentina and Brazil vs Colombia. Here's a lowdown on the matches that shook the continent.
Uruguay 0-1 Argentina 🇦🇷
Missing superstar Lionel Messi, Argentina triumphed over arch-rivals Uruguay at the Estadio Centenario. The victory moved Argentina one step closer to World Cup qualification.
This epic duel was marked by fierce tackles, unyielding passion, and intense hostility between the teams. Argentina seized control in the second half, looking more likely to score as the game unfolded.
Julian Alvarez led the attack, consistently creating chances with his dazzling passes. But it was Thiago Almada's stunning strike from outside the box that provided the match-winning moment. This incredible goal secured Argentina's victory and marked a promising performance from the young sensation.
Peru 3-1 Bolivia 🇧🇴
Peru clinched a much-needed 3-1 home victory against Bolivia, moving within three points of the crucial World Cup play-off spot. Bolivia's away woes were compounded as they failed to capitalize on the win, keeping them in the play-off spot for now.
Peru's fans cheered as the team finally managed to score more than two goals in a qualifier for the first time in 12 matches. Bolivia, meanwhile, has conceded a staggering 30 goals in their 13 matches – a fearsome tally that is more than double any other team in the competition.
However, Bolivia's strong home advantage could make them favorites for the play-off spot.
Paraguay 1-0 Chile 🇨🇱
Chile slumped to a 1-0 defeat in Paraguay, landing them below Peru in the table. Paraguayan center-back Omar Alderete scored the decisive goal, repeating his heroics from the home victory against Argentina late last year.
Paraguay is now comfortably in fifth place, seven points clear of Bolivia in the play-off spot. This victory could be the stepping stone towards a first World Cup finals place since 2010 for Paraguay, who reached the quarter-finals that year.
Ecuador 2-1 Venezuela 🇦🇷
Captain Enner Valencia struck twice to help Ecuador climb into second place in the South American qualifiers. Ecuador maintained possession and secured a fifth win and two draws in their seven home games this season.
For Venezuela, this defeat marked their seventh away match without a victory in the campaign. Their initial promise has faded, with recent results leaving them just one point off the World Cup play-off spot. Fortunately, they have a chance to bounce back, playing host to Peru in the next fixture.
Notable Standings:
As the competition intensifies, here's a rundown of the top teams:
- Argentina - 25 points, +14 goal difference
- Brazil - 21 points, +7 goal difference
- Uruguay - 20 points, +8 goal difference
- Paraguay - 20 points, +2 goal difference
- Ecuador - 19 points (deducted 3 points by FIFA), +7 goal difference
Six teams will qualify directly for the World Cup, while a seventh will participate in an intercontinental playoff. Keep an eye on these teams as the race to Qatar 2022 heats up!
- Argentina's victory over Uruguay, secured by Thiago Almada's brilliant goal, moved them one step closer to the 2026 World Cup, further emphasizing their strong position in the qualifying race.
- In a watering hole less than a decade away, Uruguay will have another opportunity to spite Argentina, as both countries aim to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, held in a yet-to-be-decided location.
- Despite conceding three goals in their recent match against Peru, Bolivia still holds onto the play-off spot, with the promise of improved performances at home potentially securing their place in the 2026 World Cup.
