Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay qualify for 2026 World Cup

September 05, 2025 / 6:27 PM

Sharjah24: Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay joined Argentina, Brazil, and Ecuador in the finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the seventeenth round of South American qualifying matches. Uruguay secured their spot under the guidance of Argentinian coach Marcelo Bielsa, defeating Peru 3-0. Colombia also achieved victory with a 3-0 win over Bolivia, while Paraguay clinched their qualification with a goalless draw against Ecuador.

Key performances

The current champions, Argentina, Brazil, and Ecuador, had already guaranteed their qualification before the seventeenth round.

Messi's impactful double

Lionel Messi scored two crucial goals for Argentina in an exciting match at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, attended by 80,000 spectators. This was Messi's last official home match in the qualifiers. The Inter Miami star, an eight-time winner of the Ballon d'Or, showcased his talent by netting goals in the 39th and 80th minutes, assisted by Atletico Madrid forwards Julián Alvarez and Thiago Almada.

Striker Lautaro Martínez, captain of Inter Milan, added the second goal in the 76th minute, just two minutes after coming on for Alvarez, with a pass from teammate Nicolás González.

Future participation speculation

Although Messi has not confirmed his participation in the next World Cup, where he will be 39 years old, all signs point to his involvement and a crucial role under coach Lionel Scaloni. He is expected to be rested in the upcoming match against Ecuador in the final eighteenth round.