Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay secure their spot in the 2026 World Cup

Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay Secure Their Spot in the 2026 World Cup

In an exciting day of the South American qualifiers, Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay secured their qualification for the 2026 World Cup, during the penultimate matchday of the competition. Uruguay and Colombia achieved resounding victories with 3-0 scorelines, while Paraguay secured their place with a goalless draw. These results add to the previous qualification of Argentina, Brazil, and Ecuador, thus completing the list of South American teams that will be present in the global tournament.

“It’s a good way to classify. The team’s offensive game was strong, there were also many highlights in the individual performances,” commented Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa.

Marcelo Bielsa

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Peru, which needed victories in the last two rounds to advance, was eliminated from the competition after its defeat against Uruguay.

“It hurts to lose, it hurts because of the effort the players put in, but today the opponent surpassed us,” said Peru’s coach, Oscar Ibanez.

Oscar Ibanez

James Rodríguez opened the scoring for Colombia in the 31st minute, followed by goals from John Cordoba and Juan Fernando Quintero in the second half, securing the victory over Bolivia. Colombians return to the World Cup after missing the 2022 edition in Qatar. This will be Colombia’s seventh participation in the tournament, with consecutive appearances between 1990 and 1998, and repetitions in 2014 and 2018.

“This shirt has given me a lot. I am grateful for everything I am doing,” said James, who aspires to play his third World Cup. “I have always given my all and I will keep the good things for myself.”

James Rodríguez

Paraguay returns to the World Cup after a 16-year absence. Their last participation was in South Africa 2010, where they reached the quarter-finals. Argentina, already qualified, defeated Venezuela 3-0 with two goals from Lionel Messi, solidifying its position at the top of the South American table. The next tournament, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will feature a record 48 teams. Forty-three teams will earn their place through continental qualifying tournaments. Another two will secure their participation in the intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March 2026. The three host countries qualify automatically.