2026 World Cup: Brazil and Argentina lose final qualifiers

Brazil and Argentina were both defeated in their final qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup.

Brazil lost 1-0 at Paraguay, their fourth defeat in the last five World Cup qualifiers.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and West Ham playmaker Lucas Paqueta were all in the starting line-up, while Real Madrid trio Rodrygo, Endrick and Vinicius Jr. started in attack for Brazil in the defeat.

Reigning world champions Argentina lost 2-1 away to Colombia, with former Real and Everton midfielder James Rodriguez scoring the winning goal from the penalty spot. Lionel Messi, now of Inter Miami, did not play for Argentina.

Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who joined from Paris St-Germain last month, started for Uruguay in the 0-0 draw away to Venezuela.

In South America, Argentina still tops the 10-team rankings with a two-point lead. Brazil is in fifth place.

The top six teams qualify automatically after 18 rounds, which run until September 2025. The seventh-placed teams advance to an intercontinental play-off against a team from another confederation.

Australia drew 0-0 with Indonesia in their Asian World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, after losing 1-0 to Bahrain in their opening qualifier last Thursday.

Japan, also in Australia’s group, won 5-0 away at Bahrain. Premier League trio Wataru Endo (Liverpool), Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton) and Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace) all started for Japan.

South Korea recorded their first win in World Cup qualifying by beating Oman 3-1, with Tottenham captain Son Heung-min scoring, as did Wolves forward Hwang Hee-chan.