Shock Defeats for Brazil and Argentina: Paraguay and Colombia Make Waves in World Cup Qualifying

Brazil suffered their fourth defeat in five qualifying games, with a 1-0 loss to Paraguay, as Argentina suffered a 2-1 defeat to Colombia in the latest qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup.

Inter Miami’s Diego Gomez scored for Paraguay in Asuncion after 20 minutes, as Brazil failed to score in the first half. Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, and West Ham playmaker Lucas Paqueta all started for Brazil with the Real Madrid trio of Rodrygo, Endrick, and Vinicius Jr. in attack

Vinicius apologized to fans for the difficult times, stating that they are committed to improving and working towards a better future. The 24-year-old winger, who has scored over 20 goals for Real in three seasons, has only scored five goals in 35 Brazil caps and failed to score at the 2022 World Cup.

He acknowledged his potential for the national team, stating that confidence is crucial for achieving goals.

Brazil, the five-time world champions, is currently ranked fifth in the qualifying table with only three wins from eight games. In January, Dorival Jr. was appointed as manager, but his team suffered a loss in the Copa America quarterfinals in the summer.

Defender Marquinhos expressed concerns about the team’s performance due to the lack of confidence among new players and the coach’s ongoing process of determining the best playing style. He emphasized the challenges of qualifying, stating that despite initial uncertainty and lack of confidence, they are committed to working hard and achieving success.

James Rodriguez, a former Real Madrid and Everton midfielder, was the hero for Colombia, as the 33-year-old scored the winner for the penalty for Colombia, defeating the world champions, who were without Lionel Messi.

Colombia’s victory in the Copa America final was a form of revenge for their recent loss to Argentina. Rodriguez, now at La Liga side Rayo Vallecano, crossed for Wolves’ Yerson Mosquera to score the opener with a header in the 25th minute in Barranquilla.

Argentina’s Nicolas Gonzalez scored after the break, but Nicolas Otamendi fouled Crystal Palace’s Daniel Munoz, leading to a penalty after a video assistant referee review.

Captain Rodriguez misdirected Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from the spot, resulting in the 60th-minute goal.

“I don’t think I’ve ever scored against them—there’s a first time for everything. We want to get used to playing finals. Today was just another game, but against a team that has won everything, this victory tastes even better,” said Rodriguez.

Argentina maintains the top spot in the 10-team table by two points from Colombia. The top six teams qualify after 18 rounds of fixtures until September 2025, with the seventh-place team entering an intercontinental play-off against a different confederation.