Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup
Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay secured 2026 FIFA World Cup spots, joining Brazil and Argentina from the South American qualifiers. Slovakia stunned Germany in the European qualifiers.
New Delhi: Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is set to kick off from June 11 in the USA. Uruguay and Colombia won their matches 3-0 against Peru and Bolivia, respectively, while Paraguay played a goalless draw against Ecuador to advance to the global tournament.
Argentina, Brazil and Ecuador have already booked their spot, while Canada, Mexico and the United States of America have qualified as the hosts. Spread across three countries, the tournament will end with the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
James Rodriguez scored the opening goal for Colombia in the 31st minute, while John Cordoba and Juan Fernando Quintero also netted in the second half to secure the win against Bolivia. They return to the World Cup after missing the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and it will be their seventh appearance in the World Cup.
Uruguay beat Peru 3-0 to seal their spot in the global tournament. Rodrigo Aguiree scored the opening goal in the 14th minute of the match, while Giorgian de Arrascaeta and Federico Vinas also netted in the second half. World Cup champions Argentina defeated Venezuela 3-0 with a brace by Lionel Messi and remained well clear at the top of the South American standings.
Brazil also defeated Chile 3-0 with goals from Estevao, Paqueta and Guimaraes. The 18-year-old Estêvão, who plays for Chelsea, netted his first goal with the national team in the 38th minute, while Paquetá scored in the 72nd minute and Guimaraes added a third in the 76th minute.
Slovakia stun Germany in European qualifiers
Germany suffered a 2-0 defeat in an away World Cup qualifying match against Slovakia. This is a massive blow for Julian Nagelsmann and his team as their campaign to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup is put into jeopardy.
David Hancko and David Strelec scored goals for Slovakia against struggling Germany's defence. The visitors failed to find the net to get back into the game on Thursday. Germany now needs to win all of their remaining five matches to avoid the playoffs.
This is only the second time in World Cup qualifier history that Germany lost a game by more than one goal. European champion Spain defeated Bulgaria 3-0 with goals from Mikel Oyarzabal, Marc Cucurella and Mikel Merino.