The South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup concluded dramatically on September 9, 2025. Ecuador stunned Argentina with a 1–0 win in Guayaquil with E. Valencia scoring at the 46th minutes before half time. Otamendi was shown a straight red card on the 31st minutes into the game which created more difficulties to penetrate the Ecuador team.
Argentina was without Lionel Messi, which only spells doom, with a man down and without their key star player, Caicedo was also shown a red card in the 50th minutes but it was the Ecuadorian team that progress with the win sealing second place despite both sides finishing with ten men.
Bolivia produced one of the biggest shocks of the campaign by beating Brazil 1–0 in La Paz through a Miguel Terceros penalty in the 49th before half time, a result that secured them the inter-confederation playoff spot while pushing Brazil down to fifth.
Colombia delivered an incredible goal fest, overwhelming Venezuela with an emphatic 6-3 victory in a thrilling match that showcased their attacking prowess. Luis Suárez was the star of the evening, netting an impressive four goals on the 42,50,59th and 67th minutes that propelled him into third place on the top scorers’ chart.
The first goal came Venezuelan T. Segovia which was canceled by Mina’s goal at the 10th minuets, Martinez also scored in the 12th minuet, restoring the lead back but its Luis Saurez who came crushing the Venezuelan team in the second half.
Uruguay and Chile faced off in a tightly contested game that ended in a goalless draw. This result was enough to confirm Uruguay’s direct qualification for the upcoming tournament, securing their spot without the need for further playoffs.
On another front, Paraguay managed to eke out a narrow 1-0 win against Peru, courtesy of a decisive strike from Matías Galarza on the 78th minutes. This crucial goal ensured Paraguay’s passage to the tournament in North America, marking an important milestone in their campaign.
Overall, these results significantly shaped the landscape of the forthcoming competition, setting the stage for an exciting and fiercely competitive event.
In the final standings of the tournament, Argentina emerged as the clear leaders, topping the table with an impressive total of 38 points. Their consistent performance throughout the campaign ensured they secured direct qualification for the World Cup without any doubts.
Following Argentina, Ecuador secured the second spot with 29 points, continuing their recent rise in South American football with strong showings in crucial matches.
Colombia claimed third place, demonstrating their attacking prowess and tactical discipline that made them a formidable team with 28 points.
Uruguay finished in fourth position with 28 points, maintaining their reputation as a competitive side on the continent.
Brazil, traditionally a powerhouse in world football, came in fifth place with 28 points also, Ancelotti side never displayed the zeal to win in their match against Bolivia.
While Paraguay rounded out the group with 28 points, making it six teams who qualified directly for the World Cup, highlighting the depth and competitive nature of the qualifying stage.
Bolivia ended the campaign in seventh place and 20 points, just outside the direct qualification spots, but their efforts earned them a chance to compete further in a playoff to secure a World Cup berth. This opportunity was largely thanks to a surprise victory they pulled off late in the competition, which kept their hopes alive and added an exciting twist to the qualification battles.
Unfortunately for Venezuela, Peru, and Chile, their campaigns fell short, and they were ultimately eliminated from contention. These teams were unable to gather enough points to challenge for the qualifying positions, ending their hopes of playing in the upcoming World Cup.
Overall, the campaign saw Argentina dominate with their consistent excellence on the field. Ecuador impressed many with their continued rise in performance levels and ability to compete with more established football nations. Colombia showcased an attacking style of play that brought excitement and goals, while Bolivia’s unexpected success in the closing stages gave them a final chance to reach football’s biggest tournament, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.
