In a surprising turn, Bolivia defeated Brazil 1-0, securing a spot in the intercontinental playoffs for next year’s World Cup. Meanwhile, Argentina faced a 1-0 loss against Ecuador in South America’s 2026 qualifiers’ final round on Tuesday.
Bolivia’s Miguel Terceros scored via a penalty during first-half stoppage time, securing the victory over Brazil, the five-time World Cup champions, in La Paz. This outcome pushed Carlo Ancelotti’s team to fifth place in the standings.
Bolivia will compete in the playoffs alongside two teams from CONCACAF and one team each from the African, Asian, and Oceania confederations, all vying for two World Cup spots in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The playoffs are scheduled for March in Monterrey and Guadalajara.
Despite Ecuador and reigning champions Argentina having already qualified for the World Cup, their match in Guayaquil was highly competitive.
Argentina’s Nicolas Otamendi was ejected in the 31st minute, allowing the hosts to capitalize when Enner Valencia scored a penalty in first-half stoppage time.
Ecuador was also reduced to 10 men after Moises Caicedo’s dismissal in the 50th minute, yet they remained resilient to win and ascend to second place in the table.
Argentina, despite the defeat, maintained the top position in the standings with 39 points, nine points ahead of Ecuador.
Colombia claimed third place by defeating Venezuela 6-3 in Maturin, with Luis Suarez scoring four goals to dash Venezuela’s playoff hopes.
Uruguay secured fourth place with a 0-0 draw against Chile in Santiago, while Matias Galarza’s goal led Paraguay to a 1-0 victory over Peru in Lima, placing them in sixth.
