2026 World Cup: Brazil and Argentina lose latest qualifying matches

Brazil and Argentina were both defeated in their latest qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup.

Brazil were beaten 1-0 away at Paraguay, their fourth defeat in their last five World Cup qualifiers.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and West Ham playmaker Lucas Paqueta all started. The Real Madrid trio of Rodrygo, Endrick and Vinicius Jr started in attack for Brazil in the defeat.

Defending world champions Argentina lost 2-1 away at Colombia, with former Real and Everton midfielder James Rodriguez scoring the winner from the penalty spot. Lionel Messi, now of Inter Miami, did not feature for Argentina.

Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who joined the club last month from Paris St-Germain, started for Uruguay in their 0-0 draw away at Venezuela.

In South America, Argentina remain top of the 10-team table by two points. Brazil are down in fifth.

The top six teams automatically qualify after 18 rounds of fixtures, which carry on until September 2025. Those in seventh place go into an inter-continental play-off against a team from another confederation.

In Asia’s World Cup qualifying, Australia were held to a 0-0 draw away at Indonesia on Tuesday, having lost 1-0 at home to Bahrain in their opening qualifying match last Thursday.

Japan, also in Australia’s group, were 5-0 winners away at Bahrain. Premier League trio Wataru Endo (Liverpool), Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton) and Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace) all started for Japan.

South Korea recorded their first win in World Cup qualifying, beating Oman 3-1 away. Tottenham captain Son Heung-min scored, as did Wolves forward Hwang Hee-chan.