Bolivia took off one of the biggest shocks of South American qualifying to reach the World Cup playoff round.
Released on September 10th, 2025
Bolivia shocked Brazil 1-0, securing a spot in the Intercontinental playoffs for next year’s World Cup, and Argentina lost 1-0 to Ecuador in the final round of South America’s 2026 qualifying on Tuesday night.
Bolivia’s Miguel Terceros converted his penalty in the first half suspension time to secure a home victory in Brazil with five World Cup winners at La Paz. As a result, Carlo Ancelotti’s side came in fifth place in the rankings.
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Bolivia will be looking for two places in the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the US, with two teams from Concacaf and one team each taking part in the playoffs, as well as from the Union of Africa, Asia and Oceania.
The playoffs will take place in Monterrey and Guadalajara in March.
Mesis Les Argentina surprised medieval
Ecuador and ruler champion Argentina had already competed in the World Cup, but the match at Guayaquil was not under-strength.
Argentina’s Nicolas Otamendi was sent off in the 31st minute, and the hosts took advantage of the numerical advantage when Enna Valencia scored a penalty in the first half suspension.
Ecuador was reduced to 10 men when Moises Caiceto was fired in the 50th minute, but they claimed a 1-0 victory and placed second in the table.
Argentine star Lionel Messi, who played his last official match at home last Thursday, didn’t fit.
Despite the losses, Argentina held the top position with 39 points nine points ahead of Ecuador.
Colombia stole the show by defeating Venezuela 6-3 in Maturin, and Luis Suarez scored four goals to eliminate Venezuela’s hopes to win a playoff place, earning Venezuela’s hopes for third place.
Uruguay finished fourth in qualifying after a 0-0 draw with Chile in Santiago, and Mattias Galarza’s strike was 1-0 in Lima, leading to sixth place.
