Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay Secure Direct Qualification
South America has completed its roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following the commencement of FIFA date activities in September. Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay secured their spots after not losing in their respective matches on Thursday. This brings the total to six direct qualifying spots from the Confederation of South American Football (CONMEBOL), joining Argentina, Brazil, and Ecuador.
Uruguay’s Victory Over Peru
Uruguay thrashed Peru 3-0 at the iconic Centenario Stadium in Montevideo, with goals from Giorgian De Arrascaeta and two familiar faces from Mexican football: Rodrigo ‘Búfalo’ Aguirre of America and Federico Viñas, formerly of America and León.
This victory secures Uruguay’s 15th World Cup appearance, recalling their triumphs in the 1930 and 1950 editions. It will be their fifth consecutive appearance, as they haven’t missed a World Cup since Germany 2006 when they lost the intercontinental playoff against Australia.
Colombia’s Goleada Against Bolivia
Colombia also clinched their World Cup spot with a 3-0 home win over Bolivia at the Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez Stadium. Goals from James Rodríguez, Jhon Córdoba, and Juan Fernando Quintero were scored. Notably, Rodríguez’s goal made him Colombia’s all-time leading scorer in South American qualifiers with 14 goals, surpassing Radamel Falcao García.
Colombia’s World Cup participation history includes only seven appearances, starting with Chile 1962 and their last being Russia 2018. They failed to qualify for Qatar 2022.
Paraguay’s Draw with Ecuador
Paraguay secured the sixth CONMEBOL spot for 2026 by drawing 0-0 with Ecuador at the Defensores del Chaco Stadium. Although they didn’t win, Paraguay reached 25 points, making it impossible for Venezuela, Bolivia, and Peru (Chile was eliminated before this round) to surpass them.
Paraguay’s last World Cup appearance was in South Africa 2010, and after 16 years, they will return for their ninth participation. They were part of the inaugural World Cup in 1930 but peaked in 2010, advancing to the quarterfinals. This remains their best performance and last memory in the tournament.
The 2026 World Cup will be unique with 48 participants, allowing all confederations to increase their number of spots. CONMEBOL received direct qualifying spots and one for the intercontinental playoff.
Remaining Intercontinental Playoff Spot in CONMEBOL
The 17th round of 18 concluded on Thursday, with Argentina, Brazil, and Ecuador securing their World Cup spots while Chile had no chance of qualifying.
Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay took advantage of the situation to secure their spots, allowing them to play the final round of qualifiers without significant concerns.
The only remaining spot to be decided in CONMEBOL, for the 18th round (Tuesday, September 9), is which team will participate in the intercontinental playoff in March 2026 alongside one team from Oceania, one from Africa, one from Asia, and two from the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean (CONCACAF).
Mathematically, only Venezuela and Bolivia remain as possibilities for the intercontinental playoff spot.
- If Venezuela, as the home team, defeats Colombia, they will secure a playoff spot. If Venezuela draws or loses, they must wait for Bolivia not to defeat Brazil.
- If Bolivia does not win against Brazil, they will participate in the intercontinental playoff. However, playoff participation does not guarantee success, as they will need to compete against five other teams for two spots.
Table: South America’s Progress Towards the 2026 World Cup
- Argentina – 38 points (QUALIFIED)
- Brazil – 28 points (QUALIFIED)
- Uruguay – 27 points (QUALIFIED)
- Ecuador – 26 points (QUALIFIED)
- Colombia – 25 points (QUALIFIED)
- Paraguay – 25 points (QUALIFIED)
- Venezuela – 18 points (may still qualify for intercontinental playoff)
- Bolivia – 17 points (may still qualify for intercontinental playoff)
- Peru – 12 points (Eliminated)
- Chile – 10 points (Eliminated)
*The final round will be played on Tuesday, September 9
How Many Teams Have Qualified for the 2026 World Cup?
- Mexico (Host)
- United States (Host)
- Canada (Host)
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Iran
- Argentina
- Uzbekistan
- South Korea
- Jordan
- Australia
- Brazil
- Ecuador
- Uruguay
- Colombia
- Paraguay
*The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams. Thirty-two teams still need to be determined
