World Cup 2026: Four CONMEBOL Teams Advance to the Round of 16

• Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Colombia advanced past the Round of 32 and continue their fight for the title.

• The South American representatives already know their Round of 16 opponents.

The Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 delivered a positive outcome for CONMEBOL teams. All four South American representatives who played in this stage advanced to the Round of 16: Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Colombia remain in contention.

With standout performances from Messi, Gabriel Martinelli, and Orlando Gill in Paraguay’s historic penalty shootout win over Germany, South America maintains a strong presence among the tournament’s final 16 teams.

Brazil led the way

The Canarinha were the first CONMEBOL side to secure a place in the Round of 16 after defeating Japan 2–1 in Houston.

Casemiro equalized in the second half, and Martinelli sealed the comeback in stoppage time to keep alive the dream of Carlo Ancelotti’s team. The Seleção extend their unbeaten run in World Cup knockout stages to three matches.

Round of 32

Brazil 2–1 Japan

Round of 16

Norway — July 5 — New York

Paraguay eliminated Germany

La Albirroja produced one of the biggest upsets of the round by eliminating Germany on penalties. Gustavo Alfaro’s side held firm for 120 minutes against German dominance and sealed qualification after a shootout, where José María Canale scored the decisive penalty and Orlando Gill delivered a standout performance saving two spot kicks.

Round of 32

Germany 1–1 Paraguay (Paraguay won 4–3 on penalties)

Round of 16

France — July 4 — Philadelphia

Argentina advanced after extra time

The Argentina national team needed extra time to overcome a tough Cape Verde side 3–2 and secure qualification to the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The African side pushed the reigning world champions throughout the 90 minutes, but Argentina’s quality once again showed at the decisive moment.

Once again, Lionel Messi was decisive. The captain scored his 20th World Cup goal, extending his own record as the tournament’s all-time top scorer and leading Argentina to another qualification.

In addition, Lionel Scaloni reached 100 matches in charge of Argentina. Since his debut in 2018, he has led the team to the CONMEBOL Copa América 2021, the Finalissima 2022, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and the CONMEBOL Copa América 2024.

Round of 32

Argentina 3–2 Cape Verde (extra time)

Round of 16

Egypt — July 7 — Atlanta

Colombia remains unbeaten

The Colombian national team confirmed its strong form with a 1–0 victory over Ghana, maintaining its unbeaten run in the tournament.

Jhon Arias scored the only goal of the match, leading another win for Néstor Lorenzo’s side, which now faces a demanding clash against Switzerland for a place in the quarterfinals.

Round of 32

Colombia 2–1 Ghana

Round of 16

Switzerland — July 7 — Vancouver

CONMEBOL Round of 16 fixtures

• Paraguay vs France — July 4 — Philadelphia

• Brazil vs Norway — July 5 — New York

• Argentina vs Egypt — July 7 — Atlanta

• Colombia vs Switzerland — July 7 — Vancouver

CONMEBOL maintains its prominence

With four teams qualified for the Round of 16, CONMEBOL continues to be one of the standout confederations at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Argentina continues defending its title with Lionel Messi as the leading figure. Brazil has regained strong form with Vinícius Júnior in outstanding shape and Neymar Jr. returning. Colombia remains unbeaten, reinforcing Néstor Lorenzo’s project, while Paraguay once again proved its competitiveness by eliminating a European powerhouse.

The knockout stage enters its decisive phase, and South America keeps its dream alive of lifting football’s greatest trophy once again.