Matchday 14 of the South American qualifying rounds for the 2026 World Cup left certainties, surprises and frustrations. Argentina defeated Brazil with authority and secured its qualification, while Colombia stumbled again at home and is now in a difficult position in the standings. Paraguay, Venezuela and Ecuador consolidated their positions, while Chile and Peru saw their World Cup dreams fade away.

With the authority of a champion, Argentina destroyed Brazil 4-1 in a euphoric Monumental and became the first South American team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Goals by Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister and Giuliano Simeone made the difference against a disoriented Verdeamarela.

"We played as a team and that's why we minimized Brazil," said Lionel Scaloni, coach of an Albiceleste that played dynamic, patient and lethal soccer. Matheus Cunha's injury-time equalizer only made up for a scoreline that could have been bigger.

Argentina leads the table with 31 points. Brazil, with 21, fell to fourth place and left worrying footballing doubts in a qualifying round that is getting more complicated at times.

Colombia gets complicated

In another of the day's vibrant matches, Colombia let a 2-0 lead slip away against Paraguay and ended up drawing 2-2, in a duel that left many more questions than answers for the Colombian team.

Luis Díaz, the star of the match, opened the scoring in the first minute and assisted Jhon Durán for the second, but the Paraguayans reacted. Junior Alonso scored just before the break and Julio Enciso equalized with a great goal from outside the area.

"We will have to adjust, renew and see what to do in the future", said Néstor Lorenzo, Colombia's coach, after earning just one point at home. Paraguay, on the other hand, reached 21 points and joins Brazil and Uruguay in the top group.

Ecuador scores a point in Santiago

Ecuador drew 0-0 against Chile at the National Stadium and took an important step towards the World Cup. With 23 points, the team coached by Sebastián Beccacece is now in second place.

Chile, on the other hand, remains aimless. Only 10 points in 14 games, a worrisome offensive drought (only nine goals in the entire qualifying campaign), and a tense atmosphere that exploded with chants of "Gareca is leaving! El "Tigre", however, ruled out resigning: "I am happy, I would not like to leave the position at this time".

Venezuela gets into the fight

With a penalty goal scored by Salomón Rondón, Venezuela defeated Peru 1-0 and earned three key points to get into the fight. La Vinotinto now has 15 points and is in seventh place, in the playoff zone.

Peru, which had a Bryan Reyna goal disallowed for a handball after a VAR review, remains on 10 points and will play its last cards against Colombia and Ecuador in June. "We have to keep fighting," said coach Óscar Ibáñez, although he admitted his annoyance with the refereeing.

Uruguay holds its own at high altitude

In El Alto, Bolivia and Uruguay played to a goalless draw that automatically qualified Argentina. La Celeste, with a mixed lineup, withstood the Bolivian siege and earned a valuable point to maintain their 21 points.

Bolivia was left with 14 points, dropped to eighth place and lost ground in the fight for the playoffs. "We need a nine-goaler," lamented DT Oscar Villegas.

Standings (after game 14)

Pos. | Country    | Points |
1        Argentina      31     
2        Ecuador        23   
3        Uruguay        21   
4        Brazil             21     
5        Paraguay      21     
6        Colombia      20     
7       Venezuela     15     
8       Bolivia           14    
9       Peru              10    
10     Chile             10    

Próxima jornada (junio 2025):

- Chile 🆚 Argentina  
- Ecuador 🆚 Brazil  
- Colombia 🆚 Perú  
- Paraguay 🆚 Uruguay  
- Venezuela 🆚 Bolivia  

There are four games left and the margin for error is minimal. With the exception of Argentina, all the others are still fighting for a ticket to the World Cup to be played in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The toughest qualifying round in the world does not disappoint: every point is a final.

With information from AFP