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.
FAQs
- Who scored the winning goal in Brazil’s 1-0 loss to Paraguay?
- Diego Gomez of Inter Miami scored the match’s only goal for Paraguay, securing the victory after 20 minutes.
- Why has Brazil been struggling in World Cup qualifying?
- Brazil is in a transitional phase under coach Dorival Jr., and the lack of confidence, along with many new players, has impacted their performance.
- How did Colombia beat Argentina in their recent World Cup qualifying match?
- James Rodriguez scored the game-winning penalty after Yerson Mosquera’s opening goal, sealing a 2-1 victory over Argentina, who were without Lionel Messi.
- What was Vinicius Jr.’s reaction to Brazil’s recent form?
- Vinicius Jr. apologized to fans, acknowledged the team’s tough situation, and expressed his desire to improve his performance for the national team.
- How did Argentina’s Nicolas Gonzalez impact their match against Colombia?
- Nicolas Gonzalez scored Argentina’s only goal, but a later penalty decision in favor of Colombia sealed Argentina’s defeat.
- Who leads the South American World Cup qualification standings?
- Argentina currently leads the standings, with Colombia in second place.
- What was Uruguay’s result in their match against Venezuela?
- Uruguay played to a 0-0 draw with Venezuela, with Manuel Ugarte starting for the team.
