Argentina draws with Colombia, Brazil and Ecuador win tickets to World Cup 2026

(Dan Tri) - Argentina was lucky to draw 1-1 with Colombia when they had to play with one less player after being behind. Brazil won 1-0 against Paraguay to join Ecuador in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

Vinicius helps Brazil defeat Paraguay

Brazil have officially secured a ticket to the 2026 World Cup after a narrow 1-0 victory over Paraguay in Sao Paulo in the 16th round of the South American qualifying round, which took place on the morning of June 11. This was also the Selecao's first victory under new coach Carlo Ancelotti, and extended their streak of six consecutive home wins against this opponent.

Coach Ancelotti directs Brazilian players in the match (Photo: Getty).

Coming into the match after a lacklustre draw with Ecuador, Ancelotti was hoping for a positive response from his players. Despite making three changes to the starting line-up, including the return of Raphinha, Brazil still showed a lack of cohesion in the attacking areas. Their first significant chance came from Matheus Cunha but Vinicius Junior could not finish. In the opposite direction, a bicycle kick by Paraguay's Juan Caceres made Alisson's goal wobble.

As the first half drew to a close, Paraguay began to run out of steam despite having had less than a quarter of possession. Brazil should have opened the scoring when Gabriel Martinelli played a good pass to Cunha at the back post, but the Manchester United striker opted to head the ball rather than shoot into an open goal. Cunha was quick to make amends, however, pouncing on a loose ball after Raphinha had beaten three defenders and crossing for Vinicius Junior to tap in the opener just before the break.

Vinicius celebrates with teammates after scoring (Photo: Getty).

Brazil continued to press after the break but clear-cut chances did not come easily. Paraguay goalkeeper Gatito Fernandez had the hardest work of all, keeping out a powerful shot from Bruno Guimaraes. This gave Paraguay confidence as the game entered its final stages. Gustavo Alfaro's men had more possession in the opposition half and almost equalised from a long throw-in, but Junior Alonso's header went over the bar.

The hosts quickly regained control, and only Fernandez's brilliance denied Brazil a second goal after Raphinha and Guimaraes' finishes. In the end, one goal was enough for Brazil. The win, just their second in six qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup, has already secured Brazil's place at next summer's finals. For Paraguay, it was their first defeat in 10 matches in the tournament, although they need just one more point from their remaining two games to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 2010.

Argentina lucky to escape defeat against Paraguay

Argentina and Colombia shared the points in a dramatic 1-1 draw in the 2026 World Cup South American qualifying round of 16 on the morning of June 11. The result meant Colombia missed out on their first away win against La Albiceleste since 1993.

Despite having already secured their place at the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Scaloni's side were still given a standing ovation by the fans at the Estadio Monumental. Colombia, meanwhile, are still trying to qualify for next summer's tournament, and Nestor Lorenzo's side know a win would bring them closer to that goal, despite a five-game winless streak.

Goalkeeper Mier rushed out to block Alvarez (Photo: Getty).

Lionel Messi started for La Albiceleste for the first time since November. The Inter Miami star almost marked his return with a goal after just five minutes from Enzo Fernandez's pass, but his shot went just wide of the post. Julian Alvarez then had a great chance midway through the first half but was denied by a brilliant save from Kevin Mier.

However, it was Colombia who took the lead in the 24th minute with a stunning solo effort from Luis Diaz. Receiving the ball just inside the Argentine half, the Liverpool winger sprinted past four defenders before unleashing a powerful shot past Emiliano Martinez. Enzo Fernandez then put the ball in the net but the goal was ruled out for offside, leaving the visitors 1-0 up at half-time.

Scaloni did not hesitate to make changes at the start of the second half, with Nico González and Giuliano Simeone coming on. However, Colombia continued to dominate the opening minutes of the second half. Diaz continued to unsettle the opposition defence before being stopped by a determined save. In the 60th minute, Richard Rios had a chance to double the home team's lead with a powerful shot from the edge of the box, but Martinez dived to block it, then got up to block the rebound.

The match between Argentina and Colombia was fierce (Photo: Getty).

Shortly afterwards, Nico Gonzalez fired a powerful shot from a tight angle that bounced back to the Juventus player. He passed it to Enzo Fernandez in the box, but the Chelsea midfielder fired an incredible shot over the bar from close range. Fernandez's night was made worse when he was shown a straight red card for a high tackle on Kevin Castano's head, sparking a tense confrontation between the two teams.

However, Argentina still found an equalizer in the final minutes of the match. Thiago Almada broke into the penalty area and fired a decisive shot into the far corner, sealing the score at 1-1 in the 81st minute.

Having seemingly secured victory and moved closer to the 2026 World Cup, Colombia will now have to wait until the next international break to hope to secure a ticket. For Argentina, a late equaliser extended their unbeaten run to six games (five wins, one draw), continuing their preparations for defending their World Cup title.

South American World Cup 2026 qualifying standings after matches on the morning of June 11.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/argentina-hoa-colombia-brazil-va-ecuador-gianh-ve-du-world-cup-2026-20250611104649739.htm