Colombia defeats Argentina, Brazil shocked in World Cup qualifiers

In a thrilling match, Colombia got their revenge against Argentina with a 2-1 victory on September 10th in Montevideo. Meanwhile, Brazil suffered a shocking 1-0 defeat against Paraguay in the South American qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

Skipper James Rodriguez buried a nerveless 60th-minute spot kick to seal a hard-fought win for Colombia over the reigning world champions, who were without injured captain Lionel Messi.

It was sweet revenge for Colombia, who were beaten 1-0 by Argentina in a bitterly disappointing Copa America final loss in Miami two months ago.

“I don’t think I’ve ever scored against them – there’s a first time for everything,” Rodriguez said of his winning goal.

“We want to get used to playing finals. Today was just another game, but against a team that has won everything – this victory tastes even better.”

The victory at Barranquilla’s Metropolitano Stadium lifted Colombia into second place in South America’s 10-team qualifying competition with 16 points from eight points, just two points behind leaders Argentina.

Colombia, backed by a passionate home crowd, took the lead in the 25th minute when Rodriguez chipped a cross to the back post where Yerson Mosquera rose to head home.

But three minutes after the interval, the visitors drew level when a misplaced pass from Rodriguez was pounced upon by Nicolas Gonzalez, who raced away and slotted past advancing Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas.

Twelve minutes later, though, Colombia restored their lead in controversial fashion.

Nicolas Otamendi clattered Daniel Munoz with a wild challenge and after several minutes, Chilean referee Piero Maza was sent to the VAR monitor and awarded a penalty.

Rodriguez stepped up and confidently slotted home to win the game.

Despite the defeat, Argentina remain comfortably on course for a place at the 2026 World Cup which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

With the tournament expanded to 48 teams, the top six finishers in South American qualifying will win a berth. The seventh-placed team in qualifying go into an inter-confederation play-off, with the bottom three teams eliminated.

Five-time world champions Brazil, meanwhile, continued their unconvincing campaign with their loss to Paraguay in Asuncion.

Inter Miami midfielder Diego Gomez – who is reportedly due to join Premier League side Brighton at the end of the season – scored the game’s only goal, crashing a long-range shot in off the post in the 20th minute.

The defeat leaves Brazil in fifth place in the standings on 10 points, leading by goal difference from Venezuela, who drew 0-0 at home to Uruguay.

Paraguay moved into seventh place on nine points after just their second win of the qualifying campaign. AFP