Wed Sep 11 09:38:26 UTC 2024: ## South American Giants Stumble in World Cup Qualifying

**Barranquilla, Colombia/Asunción, Paraguay -** World champions Argentina and Brazil suffered surprise defeats in their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying matches on Tuesday, highlighting the challenges both teams face without their star players.

Argentina, missing Lionel Messi due to injury, fell 2-1 to Colombia in Barranquilla. James Rodriguez, who scored from the penalty spot and provided an assist, led the Colombian charge for revenge after their Copa America final loss to Argentina earlier this year.

Brazil, also without Neymar, suffered a 1-0 loss to Paraguay in Asunción. Diego Gómez scored the decisive goal for Paraguay, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Brazil. The loss was a setback for Brazil, who have struggled for consistency since coach Dorival Junior took charge.

Despite the defeats, Argentina remains at the top of the CONMEBOL qualifying table with 18 points. Brazil slipped to fifth with 10 points, raising concerns about their form ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Elsewhere in the region, Bolivia secured a 2-1 victory over Chile, Ecuador beat Peru 1-0, and Venezuela drew 0-0 with Uruguay.

With the 2026 World Cup expanded to 48 teams, the top six teams in South American qualifying will automatically qualify. The seventh-placed team will enter an inter-confederation playoff, while the bottom three will miss out.

Read More