FIFA World Cup Qualifiers - Matchday 14 Recap

The latest round of South American World Cup qualifiers delivered high-stakes drama, stunning upsets, and critical shifts in the standings. Argentina dominated Brazil in a commanding 4-1 victory, reinforcing their status as the continent’s top team, while Chile’s struggles continued with a disappointing draw against Ecuador.

Meanwhile, Colombia and Paraguay fought to a hard-fought draw, Uruguay contained Bolivia in a defensive clash, and Venezuela achieved a vital victory over Peru. With qualification places still available each match is becoming crucial on the path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Argentina 4-1 Brazil

Brazil suffered a humbling 4-1 defeat to Argentina at the Monumental de Núñez, a result that amplifies pressure on head coach Dorival Júnior. Goals from Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, and Giuliano Simeone secured Argentina’s emphatic victory, while Matheus Cunha netted Brazil’s lone response.

The reigning World Cup champions remain atop the qualification table with 31 points, while Brazil drops to fourth with 21. Adding to Brazil’s woes, the defeat extends their six-year winless streak against Argentina, raising concerns about the squad’s form.

Chile 0-0 Ecuador

In Santiago, Chile and Ecuador played to a dull goalless draw at Estadio Nacional. Despite dominating the first half with seven shots to one and 63% possession, Chile failed to break through, largely due to Ecuadorian goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez’s heroics. Ecuador nearly stole the win in stoppage time, but Enner Valencia’s goal was ruled offside.

The result benefits Ecuador, who maintain second place with 23 points, but leaves Chile languishing at the bottom with just 10. Looking ahead, Chile faces Argentina and Bolivia in June, while Ecuador meets Brazil and Peru.

Colombia 2-2 Paraguay

Colombia and Paraguay played to a gripping 2-2 draw in Barranquilla. Colombia struck early with goals from Luis Díaz and Jhon Durán in the opening 12 minutes, but Paraguay clawed back, with Junior Alonso scoring before halftime and Julio Enciso leveling with a stunning long-range effort.

The result leaves Paraguay in fifth place with 21 points and Colombia sixth with 20. Colombia extends their winless streak to four games, adding pressure ahead of their June fixtures against Peru and Argentina. Paraguay, meanwhile, braces for a tough stretch against Uruguay and Brazil.

Bolivia 0-0 Uruguay

Bolivia and Uruguay battled to a scoreless draw in La Paz, with Uruguayan goalkeeper Sergio Rochet emerging as the key figure. Despite Bolivia’s relentless attack—dominating possession and rattling the post—Uruguay’s defense held firm.

With 21 points, Uruguay temporarily sits in third place, while Bolivia dropped to eighth with 14. Next up, Bolivia faces Venezuela and Chile, while Uruguay takes on Paraguay and Venezuela.

Venezuela 1-0 Peru

Venezuela edged Peru 1-0, courtesy of a decisive penalty from veteran striker Salomón Rondón. The victory lifts Venezuela into the playoff zone, overtaking Bolivia with 15 points, while Peru slips to ninth with 10.

Venezuela dictated play with aggressive pressing and set-piece dominance, frustrating a defensively compact but uninspired Peru. A disallowed goal in stoppage time added to Peru’s woes as their qualification hopes took another hit. In June, Venezuela will host Bolivia, while Peru faces a difficult trip to Colombia.

Standings

With the qualifiers heating up, every result carries massive implications for South America’s road to the 2026 World Cup. The next round of matches promises even more intensity as teams fight for their place on the world’s biggest stage.