Messi Hits Brace as Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay Seal World Cup Spots
South American qualifiers conclude with Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay joining Argentina, Brazil, and Ecuador for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as six teams secure automatic berths.
- On September 4, 2025, Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after decisive South American qualifiers.
- The teams qualified by meeting performance targets in qualifiers, with Paraguay needing only a draw against already qualified Ecuador to advance.
- Uruguay secured a 3-0 victory over Peru on home soil, Colombia triumphed 3-0 against Bolivia with goals including one from James Rodríguez, and Paraguay earned a goalless draw in their match against Ecuador.
- Lionel Messi netted two goals as Argentina secured a 3-0 victory over Venezuela in Buenos Aires, playing his final home qualifier in front of 80,000 supporters. His coach commented that Messi "deserves a rest and time with his family" after showing great determination throughout the match.
- These results confirm six South American teams qualify automatically for the expanded 48-team World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, while one CONMEBOL team will enter March 2026 intercontinental playoffs.
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The Madman entered a World Cup for the third time, following his achievements with Argentina in 2002 and Chile in 2010.However, after achieving his ticket to the appointment in 2026, he chose to speak cautiously for what is coming.He asked not to trust himself and put on the table the failed experience with the Selection in Japan and Korea 2002.
Colombia, Uruguay and Paraguay guaranteed the world's 2026 presence. Triunfos against Bolivia and Peru and an empath with Ecuador closed the three South American elections.
Uruguay, Paraguay and Colombia stamped their direct pass to the 2026 World Cup on the penultimate date of the qualifiers, while Venezuela and Bolivia will seek to repel the dream. The day was marked by an emotional episode after Lionel Messi played the last match with Argentina in the Monumental stadium.


Messi hits emotional brace as Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay seal World Cup spots
Lionel Messi scored twice for Argentina in emotional scenes in Buenos Aires on Thursday while Uruguay, Colombia and Paraguay joined the reigning champions at next year's World Cup. In his last home qualifier for his country and with Argentina having already booked their place in North America, Messi struck in the 39th and 80th minutes to bag a 3-0 win over Venezuela. Messi, who has won the Ballon d'Or eight times, sparkled in front of an adoring…
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