Bolivia beat Brazil 1-0 to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup intercontinental playoffs, while Ecuador shocked Argentina in South America’s final qualifiers.
Miguel Terceros scored a penalty in first-half stoppage time at La Paz’s Estadio Municipal El Alto, giving Bolivia a historic win. Brazil, five-time World Cup champions, dropped to fifth place in the CONMEBOL standings.
Bolivia Beat Brazil to Secure Playoff Spot
With this victory, Bolivia qualifies for the intercontinental playoffs, joining two CONCACAF teams and one team each from Africa, Asia, and Oceania. The playoffs will take place in Monterrey and Guadalajara in March to decide two World Cup spots.
Ecuador Upset Argentina
Ecuador’s Enner Valencia scored a first-half penalty to defeat Argentina 1-0 in Guayaquil. Argentina’s Nicolas Otamendi was sent off in the 31st minute. Despite the loss, Argentina remains top of the CONMEBOL standings with 39 points, nine ahead of Ecuador.
Other Notable Results
- Colombia beat Venezuela 6-3; Luis Suarez scored four goals.
- Uruguay drew 0-0 with Chile, finishing fourth.
- Paraguay defeated Peru 1-0, claiming sixth place.
Bolivia’s win marks a rare milestone in South American football, giving hope to smaller nations, while Ecuador’s victory shows the unpredictability of CONMEBOL qualifiers.
