September 11, 2024

In the most recent 2026 World Cup qualifying match, Argentina was defeated 2-1 by Colombia, while the Brazil team lost 1-0 to Paraguay, their fourth loss in five games. Argentina, playing without Lionel Messi, lost 2-1 to Colombia, while Brazil fell 1-0 to Paraguay, marking Brazil’s fourth loss in five games. Diego Gomez, playing for Inter Miami, scored the decisive goal for Paraguay just 20 minutes into the match in Asuncion. Brazil struggled throughout the first half, failing to register a shot on goal. Brazil’s lineup featured key players like Lucas Paqueta from West Ham, Liverpool’s goalkeeper Alisson, and Real Madrid stars Rodrygo, Endrick, and Vinicius Jr. After the match, Vinicius apologized to fans on Globo TV, acknowledging the team’s difficult time and expressing his commitment to improvement. He emphasized his potential but admitted that a lack of confidence has hindered his performance for Brazil, where he’s scored just five goals in 35 appearances despite being prolific for Real Madrid. Brazil, five-time World Cup champions, now sits sixth in the qualification standings, with only three wins in eight games. Coach Dorival Jr., who took over in January, has struggled to stabilize the team, which was also knocked out in the Copa America quarterfinals. Defender Marquinhos shared that the squad is still adapting under the new coach, leading to uncertainty on the field. He expressed the need for the team to regain confidence and navigate this transitional phase effectively. In another match, Colombia gained a measure of revenge over Argentina, who had beaten them in the Copa America final just two months prior. James Rodriguez, the 33-year-old former Real Madrid midfielder, was Colombia’s hero, scoring the game-winning penalty. In the 25th minute, Rodriguez set up Yerson Mosquera for Colombia’s opening goal with a header. Although Argentina’s Nicolas Gonzalez equalized early in the second half, a VAR review confirmed a foul by Nicolas Otamendi, awarding Colombia a penalty. Rodriguez coolly converted, sending Emiliano Martinez the wrong way and sealing a 2-1 win. Rodriguez expressed his delight after the match, noting that this was his first time scoring against Argentina. He added that victories against such a successful team feel even sweeter. Elsewhere in South America, Uruguay played to a 0-0 draw with Venezuela, with new Manchester United signing Manuel Ugarte starting for his team. Currently, Argentina leads the 10-team standings, with Colombia in second. The top six teams will qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup, while the seventh-placed team will enter an intercontinental playoff. In other World Cup qualifying news, Australia drew 0-0 with Indonesia, following their 1-0 loss to Bahrain in their first match. Meanwhile, Japan, led by Premier League stars Wataru Endo, Kaoru Mitoma, and Daichi Kamada, won 5-0 against Bahrain. South Korea also secured a 3-1 win over Oman, with Tottenham captain Son Heung-min leading the charge. Read also FAQs

FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualify Players : Colombia continues unbeaten run with win over Argentina details Los Cafeteros scored goals from Yerson Mosquera and captain James Rodriguez to get revenge for their defeat in the Copa America 2024 final earlier in the summer. Tuesday’s 2-1 victory over Argentina in Baranquilla, Colombia’s CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign, continued its unbeaten start. Cricket Related: More Challenges Ahead for Pakistan England’s tour of Pakistan  Los Cafeteros scored goals from Yerson Mosquera and captain James Rodriguez to get revenge for their defeat in the Copa America 2024 final earlier in the summer. The world’s top-ranked squad, Argentina, conceded a goal in the 25th minute when Rodriguez, following a quick one-two with Jhon Arias after a corner, found Mosquera at the far post. Just minutes into the second half, La Albiceleste was back on par. Nico Gonzalez took Rodriguez’s misdirected pass in stride, sped past the defence, and slotted the ball between the keeper’s legs. Twelve minutes later, Daniel Munoz was hauled down in the box; however, VAR stepped in and awarded the home team a spot kick, even though the on-field official did not call a foul. In an effort to put the host back ahead of the world and continental champions, a Rodriguez stepped up and rifled a shot into the upper right corner. At the end, Colombia had many opportunities to secure the victory, one of which came from Jhon Duran, whose attempt after a layoff from the left was hesitant and directly at Emiliano Martinez, his clubmate. With 16 points from eight games—two behind leader Argentina—the victory moved Colombia up to the second spot in the standings. After that, Lionel Scaleni’s squad will play Venezuela away from home before travelling to Bolivia to play Colombia. Colombia Defeats Argentina 2-1, Continuing Unbeaten Streak in FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Colombia continued its impressive unbeaten streak in the CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, securing a 2-1 win against Argentina in Barranquilla on Tuesday. Full Time! COL 2-1 ARGArgentina throws the ball deep into Colombia’s territory, but nothing comes from it. Colombia counters quickly, creating one last chance to score, only for Alexis Mac Allister to clear the ball off the line. The referee blows the final whistle, confirming Colombia’s revenge for their Copa America final defeat and extending their unbeaten run in the qualifiers.93′Captain James Rodriguez leaves the field after a goal and an assist, replaced by Juan Portilla. YELLOW CARD90′Colombia’s Vargas receives a yellow card for time-wasting, with seven minutes of stoppage time added. 89′Paulo Dybala cuts inside and takes a left-footed shot for Argentina, but it sails well over the crossbar. 88′ COL 2-1 ARGYerson Mosquera is forced off due to injury, with Juan Cabal coming on as his replacement for Colombia. 85′Dybala enters the field for Argentina, replacing Enzo Fernandez. 84′ Chance!!Emiliano Martinez finds himself one-on-one with Colombia’s keeper, but the combination of a defender and the goalkeeper stops his effort. 81′ COL 2-1 ARGAn attempted cross from the left wing sees Mojica head the ball away for Colombia, and the goalkeeper calmly collects it. YELLOW CARD79′Jhon Duran leaves the pitch for Colombia, receiving a yellow card for delaying his substitution. Cordoba comes on to replace him. 77′ COL 2-1 ARGArgentina continues to build patiently, but Lautaro Martinez’s shot is deflected behind following a clearance from a cross. 74′Lo Celso is brought on for Argentina, with Rodrigo De Paul making way. 72′ COL 2-1 ARGJhon Duran has a golden opportunity to extend Colombia’s lead, but his shot is comfortably saved by Emiliano Martinez. 70′Colombia controls the tempo after regaining the lead, slowing the pace down and recycling possession effectively. 66′ COL 2-1 ARGJulian Alvarez fails to make the decisive pass during a quick counter-attack that left Argentina 3v3 with Colombia’s defense. A clash of heads halts play, and medical attention is required. 63′Argentina tries to switch things up with a cross to the far post, but Mojica clears the danger once again for Colombia. Mac Allister and Acuna come on for Argentina, replacing Lisandro Martinez and Paredes. 60′ James scores the penalty!Goal! James Rodriguez steps up and slots the penalty into the top right corner, sending the keeper the wrong way. Colombia takes the lead once again. COL 2-1 ARG (Rodriguez 60′)55′Munoz is convinced Otamendi fouled him in the box. VAR steps in, and after reviewing the footage, a penalty is awarded to Colombia. 53′ COL 1-1 ARGColombia appeals for a penalty as one of their players is brought down, but the referee waves play on. Argentina counters, but nothing comes of the attack. 51′Argentina’s Romero receives medical attention but is cleared to continue after stepping off the field briefly. GOAL48′ Gonzalez equalizes!Goal! A defensive mistake by Colombia allows Nico Gonzalez to outpace Mosquera and calmly slot the ball between the keeper’s legs. COL 1-1 ARG (Gonzalez 48′)The second half begins, with Nahuel Molina replacing Gonzalo Montiel for Argentina, who had been booked earlier.A brief intermission before the second half resumes. Half Time!COL 1-0 ARGColombia leads 1-0 at the break, having looked stronger in the first half. Argentina will need to regroup as the second half looms. 45′Three minutes of stoppage time are added at the end of the first half. Chance!!Lisandro Martinez attempts a swivel shot following a corner for Argentina, but Mosquera clears the ball out for another corner. Lautaro Martinez volleys the second attempt wide. 42′ COL 1-0 ARGLuis Diaz gets free on the left wing but is flagged for offside before he can create a chance for Colombia. 39′Duran is fouled at the edge of the box, giving Colombia a free kick. James Rodriguez’s effort from the set piece goes high over the crossbar. 36′ COL 1-0 ARGApart from Alvarez’s early chance, Argentina has struggled to break down Colombia, which continues to create danger with its speed down the wings. 33′Argentina appeals for a penalty after Lisandro Martinez claims he was pulled by his shirt, but the referee allows play to continue.