
In a thrilling turn of events in 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers for CONMEBOL, Paraguay delivered a stunning upset, defeating Brazil 3-1, while James Rodríguez played a pivotal role in leading Colombia to a 2-0 victory over Argentina, shaking up the South American qualification race.
Paraguay Shocks Brazil with 3-1 Win:
In what many considered a massive upset, Paraguay pulled off a stunning 3-1 victory over Brazil on November 15, 2024, in Asunción, sending shockwaves through the World Cup qualifying campaign.
- First Half: Brazil, who had been one of the favorites in the South American qualifiers, started strong, dominating possession and creating chances. However, it was Paraguay who stunned the Brazilian defense with two quick goals in the first half. Miguel Almirón was instrumental, providing the assist for Adam Bareiro‘s opener in the 28th minute. Paraguay’s second came just minutes later when a well-placed free-kick from Richard Sánchez found the head of Omar Alderete, who nodded it past Brazil’s goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
- Second Half: In the second half, Brazil responded with a goal in the 55th minute, as Neymar converted from the penalty spot after a foul in the box. However, Paraguay stood firm and sealed the victory with a counter-attacking third goal in the 79th minute. Júnior Alonso found the back of the net after a swift breakaway, making it 3-1 and completing one of the most unexpected victories in Paraguayan football history.
Key Moments:
- Adam Bareiro’s opening goal (28′) gave Paraguay the lead.
- Omar Alderete’s header (34′) doubled the advantage.
- Neymar’s penalty (55′) briefly gave Brazil hope.
- Júnior Alonso’s counter-attack goal (79′) sealed the win for Paraguay.
This victory not only boosted Paraguay’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, but it also dealt a major blow to Brazil’s campaign. The loss sent Brazil down the qualification table and intensified their pressure for upcoming matches.
James Rodríguez Leads Colombia to 2-0 Win Over Argentina:
Meanwhile, in Barranquilla, James Rodríguez produced a sensational performance to guide Colombia to a 2-0 victory over Argentina, handing Lionel Messi and the Albiceleste another setback in their World Cup qualifying journey.
- First Half: The match was tightly contested in the opening 45 minutes, with both teams creating chances but failing to find the breakthrough. However, in the second half, James Rodríguez took control of the game. The Colombian star opened the scoring in the 57th minute with a powerful long-range shot that beat Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. The strike left the Argentine defense scrambling to respond, but Colombia continued to apply pressure.
- Second Half: Argentina struggled to break down Colombia’s defense. In the 73rd minute, James Rodríguez turned provider, sending a perfect ball to Luis Díaz, who calmly slotted it into the net to double Colombia’s lead. Despite a late push from Messi and Argentina, Colombia held firm, securing a crucial 2-0 win.
Key Moments:
- James Rodríguez’s stunning long-range goal (57′) gave Colombia the lead.
- Luis Díaz’s cool finish (73′) sealed the win for Colombia.
- Argentina’s frustration grew as they were unable to break through Colombia’s defense.
The loss leaves Argentina with critical work to do in the coming qualifiers, as Lionel Messi and his teammates face increasing pressure to secure their spot in 2026 World Cup. For Colombia, the win was a significant boost, putting them back in contention for a qualification spot.
What These Results Mean for the Qualifiers:
- Paraguay’s Historic Win: With their shocking victory over Brazil, Paraguay has put themselves in a strong position in the CONMEBOL qualification group. The team, led by Eduardo Berizzo, now has momentum on their side and will look to build on this result as they push for a top-four finish. The win also demonstrated their resilience and ability to perform in high-pressure matches.
- Brazil’s Setback: The 3-1 loss to Paraguay is a major blow to Brazil’s qualification hopes. Despite boasting a talented squad featuring Neymar, Vinícius Júnior, and Casemiro, Brazil’s inconsistent performances in qualifying have raised concerns. The loss leaves them with little room for error in future matches as they aim to secure one of the top spots in South American qualifiers.
- Argentina’s Woes: Argentina’s 2-0 loss to Colombia compounds their struggles in the qualifiers. Despite coming off a 2022 World Cup win, Argentina has found themselves struggling against tough South American opposition. Messi‘s frustration is palpable, and it’s clear that Argentina needs to address their tactical issues if they are to avoid falling into the lower spots in the qualification table.
- Colombia’s Revival: James Rodríguez’s brilliant performance is a reminder of his immense quality. With this victory, Colombia has put themselves in a good position for a playoff spot, and they will be hoping to continue their strong form as they target a place in 2026 World Cup.