Argentina becomes the first South American country to qualify to the 2026 World Cup after Boliva and Uruguay stalemate
Defending champions Argentina saw their qualification for the 2026 World Cup confirmed before facing Brazil on Tuesday, due to a goalless draw between Bolivia and Uruguay.
Lionel Scaloni’s side started Tuesday’s action six points clear of second-placed Ecuador and 13 ahead of seventh-placed Bolivia.
The top six in the CONMEBOL qualification group are guaranteed a place at the next World Cup, while the team in seventh will qualify for an intra-confederation play-off.
Bolivia’s draw with Uruguay in El Alto made it mathematically impossible for Argentina to drop out of the top six, ahead of their meeting with the Selecao.
They were indebted to a resolute Uruguay defensive performance for rubber-stamping their spot at the World Cup, with goalkeeper Sergio Rochet making seven saves as Bolivia laid siege to his goal – more than any Uruguay goalkeeper in a qualifier since Fernando Muslera against Brazil in October 2021.
Bolivia rattled off 32 shots during the draw, with Ramiro Vaca creating a massive 13 chances for team-mates, none of which were taken.
The World Champions are the fourth team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup aside from co-hosts United States, Mexico and Canada, with Japan, Iran and New Zealand also definites.
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