Brazil and Argentina Struggle in World Cup Qualifier
In the latest qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup, Brazil and Argentina experienced notable setbacks. Brazil faced their fourth defeat in five games with a narrow 1-0 loss to Paraguay, while Argentina succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Colombia.
In Asuncion, Inter Miamiâs Diego Gomez netted the decisive goal for Paraguay in the 20th minute. Brazil, despite having a squad featuring Liverpoolâs Alisson, Newcastleâs Bruno Guimaraes, and West Hamâs Lucas Paqueta, failed to muster a single shot on target during the first half. The Brazilian attack, comprising Real Madridâs Rodrygo, Endrick, and Vinicius Jr, was unable to break down Paraguayâs defence.
This result leaves Brazil languishing in fifth place in the qualifying table, having secured only three victories out of eight matches. Manager Dorival Jr, who took charge in January, saw his side exit the Copa America in the quarter-finals this summer.
Defender Marquinhos reflected on the situation, noting to Brazilian TV Globo, “The coach is still figuring out the best way for us to play and that’s reflected in the result. There are a lot of new players, we are lacking confidence. Qualifying isn’t easy; it’s a difficult time and we have to know how to manage it. It’s a time of transition, we’re not feeling confident. We’re going to work hard; getting results on the pitch is the best answer.”
Meanwhile, Argentina, missing the talismanic Lionel Messi, were defeated by Colombia in a rematch of the Copa America final. James Rodriguez, formerly of Real Madrid and Everton, emerged as the hero for Colombia, scoring the winner from the penalty spot. Rodriguez, now with Rayo Vallecano, initially assisted Yerson Mosqueraâs header in the 25th minute. Although Nicolas Gonzalez equalised for Argentina shortly after half-time, Nicolas Otamendiâs foul on Daniel Munoz led to a penalty, which Rodriguez converted in the 60th minute.
Rodriguez commented, “I don’t think I’ve ever scored against themâthere’s a first time for everything. We want to get used to playing finals. Today was just another game, but against a team that has won everythingâthis victory tastes even better.”
In other qualifying news, Uruguayâs Manuel Ugarte, newly signed by Manchester United from Paris St-Germain, started in their 0-0 draw against Venezuela. Argentina remains at the top of the 10-team table, two points ahead of second-placed Colombia. The top six teams will automatically qualify, with the seventh-placed team entering an intercontinental play-off.
In Asiaâs qualifiers, Australia were held to a 0-0 draw at Indonesia after a 1-0 home loss to Bahrain. Japan, also in Australiaâs group, recorded a 5-0 victory over Bahrain, with Premier League players Wataru Endo (Liverpool), Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton), and Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace) featuring prominently. South Korea secured their first win in the qualifiers, defeating Oman 3-1, with Tottenhamâs Son Heung-min and Wolvesâ Hwang Hee-chan among the goalscorers.
As the qualifying campaign continues, teams will need to up their game to secure their spots for the 2026 World Cup.
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