Argentina solidified its position in the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a narrow 1-0 victory over Peru in a South American qualifying match held in Buenos Aires.
The win, secured by a goal from Lautaro Martínez in the 55th minute, brings Argentina’s total to 25 points from 12 matches, placing them firmly at the top of the CONMEBOL standings and on the verge of qualification for the tournament, which the United States, Mexico, and Canada will co-host.
Argentina vs Peru: Match Highlights
- Lautaro Martínez’s Goal: The decisive goal came from a well-placed cross by Lionel Messi, allowing Martínez to score with a header. This goal marks Martínez’s ascent to become Argentina’s fifth-highest scorer of all time, equaling Diego Maradona’s tally.
- Performance Overview: Despite the victory, Argentina’s performance could have been better. They missed several opportunities, including a shot from Julián Álvarez that hit the post in the first half. Messi’s performance was again underwhelming, reflecting his recent form issues.
Brazil’s Struggles Continue
On the other hand, Brazil faced another setback as they played to a 1-1 draw against Uruguay.
The match saw Federico Valverde score for Uruguay in the 55th minute with a stunning long-range strike. Brazil equalized shortly after through Gerson, who capitalized on a defensive mistake to score his first international goal.
- Current Standings: Brazil now sits in fifth place in the CONMEBOL qualifiers with 18 points, just one point behind Colombia and Ecuador. This draw marks Brazil’s second consecutive draw in the qualifiers, raising concerns about their form as they strive for World Cup qualification.
- Fan Sentiment: The Brazilian squad has faced criticism from fans, leading captain Marquinhos to plead for support, emphasizing their commitment and pride despite recent performances.
Other Matches
In other qualifying matches:
- Ecuador secured a 1-0 victory over Colombia thanks to a goal from Enner Valencia, who scored early in the match.
- Chile showcased resilience with a 4-2 win against Venezuela, while Bolivia and Paraguay ended their match in a 2-2 draw.
As the qualifiers progress, Argentina appears poised for a return to the World Cup stage, while Brazil must address its inconsistencies if it hopes to secure its spot.
The next round of matches will be crucial for both teams as they continue their campaigns toward qualification.
