The seventh round of CONMEBOL qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered a series of surprises and a shake-up in the standings.
Defending champions Argentina faced a humbling defeat against Copa America 2024 runners-up Colombia. The result marked a significant upset and put a dent in Argentina’s hopes of securing a top-six finish.
In an even bigger shock, Paraguay achieved a historic victory over five-time World Cup champions Brazil. This unexpected win sent shockwaves through the continent and underlined the unpredictable nature of the qualifying campaign.
With the FIFA World Cup expanding to 48 teams, the stakes are even higher for these CONMEBOL qualifiers. The top six teams in the South American qualifying group will secure their place in the finals. The seventh-placed team will have to navigate an inter-confederation playoff, while the bottom three teams will be eliminated from contention.
As the qualifying campaign progresses, the fight for World Cup spots intensifies. The remaining rounds will see teams battling for every point to secure their place on the global stage.
