- Colombia, Uruguay, and Paraguay secured their spots at the 2026 World Cup.
- Bolivia will play the playoff.
The South American Qualifiers came to an end: joining already qualified Argentina, Ecuador, and Brazil were Colombia, Uruguay, and Paraguay. Bolivia finished seventh and will play the playoff in search of their first World Cup appearance in more than 30 years.
Matchday 17
- Uruguay 3-0 Peru (September 4, Montevideo): La Celeste cruised with goals from Aguirre, De Arrascaeta, and Federico Viñas to secure their fifth straight World Cup qualification.
- Colombia 3-0 Bolivia (September 4, Barranquilla): James Rodríguez, Jhon Córdoba, and Juan Fernando Quintero scored in the win that sealed Colombia’s spot in the 2026 World Cup, the seventh in their history.
- Paraguay 0-0 Ecuador (September 4, Asunción): the draw allowed La Albirroja to return to a World Cup after missing 2014, 2018, and 2022.
- Argentina 3-0 Venezuela (September 4, Buenos Aires): Lionel Messi, twice, and Lautaro Martínez scored in La Albiceleste’s last home game. Messi set a new record: he is now tied with Iván Hurtado as the player with the most appearances in South American Qualifiers.
- Brazil 3-0 Chile (September 4, Rio de Janeiro): Ancelotti’s team earned a solid win in their final home game of the Qualifiers. Estêvão, Lucas Paquetá, and Bruno Guimarães scored for La Canarinha.
Matchday 18
- Ecuador 1-0 Argentina (September 9, Quito): on his 100th cap for the national team, Enner Valencia scored the winner that secured Ecuador second place in the Qualifiers.
- Peru 0-1 Paraguay (September 9, Lima): Matías Galarza scored the lone goal as Gustavo Alfaro’s side closed the campaign with a victory.
- Venezuela 3-6 Colombia (September 9, Maturín): in a thriller, Lorenzo’s team won away and denied La Vinotinto the playoff. Luis Suárez netted four goals; Yerry Mina and Jhon Córdoba also scored, while Segovia, Josef Martínez, and Rondón scored for the hosts.
- Bolivia 1-0 Brazil (September 9, El Alto): Miguel Terceros became the hero by scoring the goal that sent La Verde to the playoff, keeping alive the dream of returning to a World Cup after more than 30 years.
- Chile 0-0 Uruguay (September 9, Santiago): a goalless draw in the match that marked Marcelo Bielsa’s return to Chile, the team he led at the 2010 World Cup.
How and when will the 2026 World Cup playoff be played?
The playoff will take place between March 23 and 31, 2026, featuring six teams: Bolivia, New Caledonia, and representatives from Asia (AFC), Africa (CAF), and two from Concacaf.
The six teams will be divided into two groups of three. In each group, the two lower-ranked FIFA teams will play a semifinal, while the highest-ranked team advances directly to the final. The winner of each final will qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Standings
Argentina: 38 points (GD +21) *
Ecuador: 29 points (GD +9) *
Colombia: 28 points (GD +10) *
Uruguay: 28 points (GD +10) *
Brazil: 28 points (GD +7) *
Paraguay: 28 points (GD +4) *
Bolivia: 20 points (GD -18) **
Venezuela: 18 points (GD -10)
Peru: 12 points (GD -15)
Chile: 11 points (GD -18)
* Qualified for the World Cup.
** Qualified for the playoff.
