Ecuador Stun Argentina in World Cup Qualifier

Bolivia shocked Brazil 1-0 with a penalty kick from Miguel Terceros to earn a position in the intercontinental play-offs for the 2026 World Cup. Argentina, on the other hand, lost to Ecuador 1-0 in the final round of South America’s qualifications on Tuesday.

Bolivia moved up, but Venezuela lost at home to Colombia, which made it easier for the Bolivians.

Bolivia’s Terceros scored in stoppage time in the first half to upset Brazil at home for the first time since 2019. Brazil has won the World Cup five times. Carlo Ancelotti’s team is now in fifth place in the standings after the loss.

There will be six teams in the play-off event. Bolivia will join two teams from CONCACAF and one each from Africa, Asia, and Oceania. The event will happen in Monterrey and Guadalajara in March to fill the last two spots in the World Cup, which will be held in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

At the same time, Ecuador and Argentina, the current champions, who had already qualified for next year’s FIFA World Cup, played a very close game in Guayaquil.

Nicolas Otamendi was sent off in the 31st minute, leaving Argentina with only 10 players. The hosts took advantage of the chance and scored in stoppage time of the first half with a penalty kick from Enner Valencia.

In the 50th minute, Moises Caicedo was sent off, leaving Ecuador one player short. However, they stayed calm and won, moving up to second position in the table. Argentina is still in first place in the standings with 39 points, nine ahead of Ecuador. The loss has not unsettled them.

Colombia took third place by beating Venezuela 6-3 at Maturin. Luis Suarez scored four goals, which was more than enough to win.

Uruguay came in fourth after drawing 0-0 with Chile in Santiago. Matias Galarza scored for Paraguay in a 1-0 win over Peru in Lima, putting them in sixth place.