Brazil and Uruguay played out a 1-1 draw, while Argentina narrowly defeated Peru 1-0 to strengthen their position at the top of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With this victory, Argentina are on the verge of securing qualification, while Brazil find themselves under increasing pressure in the race for a spot.
Brazil share the spoils
On home turf, Brazil had to settle for a draw against a determined Uruguay side. Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde opened the scoring in the 55th minute with a sensational low strike from outside the box. Uruguay seemed set to claim all three points until Flamengo’s Gerson stepped up just seven minutes later, capitalising on a defensive error with a stunning volley — his maiden goal for Brazil.
Five-time World Cup champions Brazil now occupy fifth place in the CONMEBOL standings with 18 points, just one behind Colombia and Ecuador. Meanwhile, Uruguay remain in second with 20 points, five adrift of Argentina. This marks Brazil’s second consecutive draw in the qualifiers, raising concerns about their form in the crucial stages of qualification.
Argentina wins against Peru
In Buenos Aires, Lautaro Martínez’s second-half header secured a slim victory for Argentina against a struggling Peru. Martínez struck in the 55th minute, converting a perfectly placed cross from Lionel Messi. The goal places Martínez alongside Diego Maradona as Argentina’s fifth-highest scorer of all time.
Argentina remain comfortably at the top with 25 points from 12 matches, five points clear of Uruguay. Peru, languishing at the bottom with just seven points, face an uphill battle to keep their World Cup hopes alive. Despite the win, Messi delivered a subdued performance, echoing his struggles in Argentina’s recent 2-1 defeat to Paraguay. Earlier in the game, Julián Álvarez hit the post in the 21st minute, underlining Argentina’s failure to convert more chances.
Other CONMEBOL results
- Ecuador 1-0 Colombia: Enner Valencia’s brilliant solo effort in the seventh minute secured victory for Ecuador, who played with 10 men after Piero Hincapié’s red card in the 34th minute.
- Bolivia 2-2 Paraguay: An exciting encounter ended in a draw, with both teams likely vying for the seventh-place playoff spot.
- Chile 4-2 Venezuela: Chile showcased a rejuvenated performance with goals from Eduardo Vargas, Lucas Cepeda, and an own goal by Tomás Rincón. Venezuela’s Jefferson Savarino and Ruben Ramirez scored in vain.
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