Argentina football players lost 1:2 to Paraguay in the 11th round of the 2026 South American qualifiers on Friday. However, they are still at the top of the group by three points ahead of Colombia, who have a duel to spare.
Photo: ČTK / AP / Jorge Saenz
Lionel Messi (in the middle) did not catch up with Argentina in the win this time.
Brazil is two points behind, the “canaries” drew 1:1 in Venezuela. The Venezuelans reached the seventh place in the playoff by a score ahead of Bolivia, which failed in Ecuador 0:4.
The reigning world champions took the lead in Asuncion when Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez scored in the 11th minute.
However, FC Torino striker Antonio Sanabria equalized eight minutes later, and Getafe defender Omar Alderete scored the winning goal just after the change of sides with a header from Diego Gomez’s cross.
The Brazilians were closer to winning three points when in the 43rd minute Barcelona player Raphinha opened the net.
Immediately after the change of sides, only a few seconds after arriving on the pitch, Telasco Segovia from the Portuguese club Casa Pia equalized. Vinicius could have decided, but he did not convert the penalty kick in the 62nd minute.
South American World Cup qualification 2026 – 11th round:
Venezuela – Brazil 1:1 (0:1)
Goals: 46. Segovia – 43. Raphinha, ČK: 89. Gonzalez (Venezuela)
Paraguay – Argentina 2:1 (1:1)
Goals: 19. Sanabria, 47. Alderete – 11. L. Martinez
Ecuador – Bolivia 4:0 (2:0)
Goals: 28. and 49. Plata, 26. Valencia (from 11 m), 61. Minda, ČK: 24. Sagredo (Bolivia)
Source: sportweb.pravda.sk
