The Argentine national football team defeated Bolivia, while the Brazilians defeated Peru in the second round of South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
This time, Lionel Messi was not included in the Argentina squad, whose play was not jeopardized by injury, but Bolivia, which played with a missing player since the 39th minute, did not cause any problems for the team. The end was even, with Argentina winning 3-0.
Brazil didn’t make any mistakes either, although they didn’t lack much: Neymar’s side didn’t play much against Peru at all, and only Marquinhos’ header in the 90th minute was enough to make the difference.
Since Uruguay’s 2-1 loss to Ecuador, after two rounds only Argentina and the Brazilians are flawless in the South American qualifiers.
Results of the World Cup South America qualifiers, second round
Bolivia – Argentina 0-3 (0-2)
Ecuador – Uruguay 2-1 (1-1)
Venezuela – Paraguay 1-0 (0-0)
Chile – Colombia 0-0
Peru – Brazil 0-1 (0-0)
the job: 1. Brazil 6 points (6-1), 2. Argentina 6 (4-0), 3. Colombia 4, 4. Uruguay 3 (4-3), 5. Venezuela 3 (1-1), 6. Paraguay and 6 . Peru 1 (0-1), 8. Chile 1 (1-3), 9. Ecuador 0 (2-2)*, 10. Bolivia 0 (1-8)
*According to the decision of the International Federation, the Ecuadorian team started with a minus of three points because they had previously falsified the date of birth of their Colombian defender, Byron Castillo.
Six of the ten teams from the South American continent qualify directly to the World Cup, and the seventh can compete in alternative qualifiers between the continents. The United States, Canada and Mexico are scheduled to host the World Cup, in which 48 teams will participate, within three years.
Cover Photo:
epa10857818 Marquinhos of Brazil celebrates after scoring during a 2026 World Cup qualifier soccer match between Peru and Brazil at the Estadio Nacional in Lima, Peru, September 12, 2023. EPA/Paulo Aguilar
