South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup Conclude: Bolivia to the Play-Off, Venezuela Out
The final day of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup has come to an end, leaving a defined panorama for the region’s teams. Bolivia will have to play the repechage, while Venezuela sees its aspiration to qualify for its first World Cup frustrated.
Argentina, without Lionel Messi on the field, led the standings with 38 points. Ecuador, Colombia, Uruguay, Brazil, and Paraguay followed, securing their place in the tournament to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada in 2026.
Final Ranking of the South American Qualifiers
Directly Qualified for the 2026 World Cup:
Argentina (38 points)
Ecuador (29 points)
Colombia (28 points)
Uruguay (28 points)
Brazil (28 points)
Paraguay (28 points)
To the Play-off:
Bolivia (20 points)
Eliminated:
Venezuela (18 points)
Peru (12 points)
Chile (11 points)
Bolivia, after finishing in seventh position with 20 points, is preparing to play the intercontinental play-off, where it will compete against teams from Africa, Asia, Oceania and Concacaf for a place in the World Cup. The draw for the groups for the 2026 World Cup will take place on December 5 in the United States.
Summary of the Day
Bolivia to the Playoff and Deflates Brazil: Bolivia secured its place in the playoff after defeating Brazil 1-0. Miguel Terceros’ goal was enough to leave La Verde in the fight for a World Cup spot.Colombia Defeats Venezuela: Venezuela, which depended on itself for the repechage, fell to Colombia by 3-6. Luis Suárez stood out with a poker of goals, while the Vinotinto was left without options.Ecuador Defeats Argentina and Secures Second Place: Ecuador defeated Argentina 1-0, securing second place in the qualifiers. Enner Valencia scored the penalty goal that gave the Tri the victory.Chile Ties with Uruguay: Chile and Uruguay tied 0-0, leaving La Roja in last place in the table. Uruguay, already qualified, secured their place in the World Cup.Paraguay Closes with Victory, Peru in Depression: Paraguay defeated Peru by 0-1, securing their World Cup qualification. Peru, for its part, finished in an unfavorable position.Messi, Top Scorer: Lionel Messi, despite not playing in the last match, was crowned the top scorer of the qualifiers with 8 goals.
