Brazil and Argentina both suffered defeats in their latest 2026 World Cup qualifying matches, with Brazil losing 1-0 to Paraguay and Argentina falling 2-1 to Colombia.

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In Asuncion, Inter Miami’s Diego Gomez struck the only goal for Paraguay after 20 minutes, handing Brazil their fourth defeat in five qualifying games.

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Despite a star-studded lineup featuring Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, Endrick, and Vinicius Jr in attack, Brazil struggled to create chances, failing to register a shot on target in the first half. Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes, and West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta all started, but the team couldn’t find a way past Paraguay’s defense.

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The result leaves Brazil fifth in the South American qualifying table, with just three wins in eight games. Their poor run of form follows their early exit from the Copa America, where they were knocked out in the quarter-finals. Appointed in January, manager Dorival Jr is still finding his feet with the team.

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Defender Marquinhos addressed the team’s current struggles, telling TV Globo, “The coach is still figuring out the best way for us to play and that’s reflected in the result.

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There are a lot of new players, we are lacking confidence. Qualifying isn’t easy, it’s a difficult time and we have to know how to manage it. It’s a time of transition.”

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Meanwhile, Argentina, without Lionel Messi, were beaten 2-1 by Colombia in Barranquilla. Former Real Madrid and Everton midfielder James Rodriguez proved to be the hero for Colombia, scoring the winning penalty in the 60th minute. Rodriguez also assisted the opener, crossing for Wolves’ Yerson Mosquera to head in the first goal after 25 minutes.

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Argentina fought back, with Nicolas Gonzalez equalizing three minutes after the break. However, a foul by Nicolas Otamendi on Crystal Palace’s Daniel Munoz led to a penalty following a VAR review. Rodriguez confidently dispatched the spot-kick, sending Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez the wrong way.

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Reflecting on his performance, Rodriguez said, “I don’t think I’ve ever scored against them – there’s a first time for everything. We want to get used to playing finals. Today was just another game, but against a team that has won everything – this victory tastes even better.”

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Despite the defeat, Argentina remain at the top of the 10-team qualifying table, two points clear of second-placed Colombia. The top six teams from the South American qualifiers will automatically secure their place in the 2026 World Cup, while the seventh-placed team will compete in an intercontinental play-off.

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Elsewhere, Uruguay were held to a 0-0 draw by Venezuela, with new Manchester United signing Manuel Ugarte starting for his national team. In Asia, Australia’s qualifying campaign remains shaky after a 0-0 draw against Indonesia, following a 1-0 home defeat to Bahrain.

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Meanwhile, Japan secured a commanding 5-0 win over Bahrain, with Premier League players Wataru Endo (Liverpool), Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton), and Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace) in the starting lineup. South Korea also recorded their first win in World Cup qualifying, defeating Oman 3-1, with goals from Tottenham captain Son Heung-min and Wolves forward Hwang Hee-chan.

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