Brazil endured their fourth defeat in five qualifying matches with a 1-0 loss to Paraguay, while Argentina fell 2-1 to Colombia in the latest World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
Diego Gomez of Inter Miami scored the decisive goal for Paraguay in Asuncion after 20 minutes, with Brazil unable to record a shot on target in the first half.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, and West Ham playmaker Lucas Paqueta all started for Brazil, alongside Real Madrid’s attacking trio of Rodrygo, Endrick, and Vinicius Jr.
“I want to apologize to the fans, I know it’s a difficult time, but we just want to improve,” Vinicius told Brazilian TV channel Globo.
The 24-year-old winger has scored over 20 goals for Real in each of the last three seasons but has only five goals from 35 caps for Brazil and failed to score at the 2022 World Cup.
“I know my potential, what I can do for the national team,” he added.
“Of course, it’s been a very complicated process because when you don’t have confidence, you don’t get goals.”
The result leaves five-time world champions Brazil in fifth place in the qualifying table, with only three wins from eight matches.
Manager Dorival Jr., who was appointed in January, saw his team exit the Copa America in the quarter-finals during the summer.
“The coach is still figuring out the best way for us to play and that’s reflected in the result,” defender Marquinhos said speaking to Globo. “There are a lot of new players, we are lacking confidence.
“Qualifying isn’t easy, it’s a difficult time and we have to know how to manage it. It’s a time of transition, we’re not feeling confident. We’re going to work hard, getting results on the pitch is the best answer.”
Messi-less Argentina beaten by Colombia in Copa America rematch
Former Real Madrid and Everton midfielder James Rodriguez was the hero for Colombia, scoring the winning penalty to defeat the reigning world champions, Argentina, who were missing Lionel Messi.
This victory was particularly sweet for Colombia, who had lost to Argentina in the Copa America final two months prior.
Rodriguez, now with La Liga side Rayo Vallecano, provided the cross for Wolves’ Yerson Mosquera to head in the opener in the 25th minute in Barranquilla.
Nicolas Gonzalez equalized for Argentina three minutes after halftime, but a foul by Nicolas Otamendi on Crystal Palace’s Daniel Munoz led to a penalty after a VAR review.
Captain Rodriguez calmly converted the penalty in the 60th minute, sending Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez the wrong way to secure the win.
“I don’t think I’ve ever scored against them – there’s a first time for everything,” said Rodriguez.
“We want to get used to playing finals. Today was just another game, but against a team that has won everything – this victory tastes even better.”
In other matches, midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who joined Manchester United from Paris Saint-Germain last month, started for Uruguay in their 0-0 draw against Venezuela.
Argentina remains at the top of the 10-team table, two points ahead of second-placed Colombia. The top six teams will automatically qualify after 18 rounds of fixtures, which will continue until September 2025.
The seventh-placed team will enter an intercontinental play-off against a team from another confederation.
In Asia’s World Cup qualifiers, Australia were held to a 0-0 draw at Indonesia on Tuesday, following their 1-0 home loss to Bahrain last Thursday.
Japan, also in Australia’s group, secured a 5-0 victory away to Bahrain, with Premier League trio Wataru Endo (Liverpool), Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton), and Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace) all starting for Japan.
South Korea achieved their first win in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers by defeating Oman 3-1, with Tottenham’s Son Heung-min and Wolves’ Hwang Hee-chan both scoring.