The top six players in South America’s 10-team round-robin qualifying competition will advance to the finals of the tournament, which has been extended to 48 teams.
Venezuela held Argentina to a 1-1 draw on Lionel Messi’s return, while Brazil salvaged a 2-1 victory over Chile on Thursday to resume their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Messi, who was sidelined by injury during Argentina’s most recent round of matches in September, appeared to have put the world champions ahead in the 13th minute of Nicolas Otamendi’s goal in the Venezuelan city of Maturin thanks to his free kick.
Argentina’s forward Lionel Messi (R) and Venezuela’s midfielder Jose Martinez fight for the ball during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Venezuela and Argentina, at the Monumental de Maturin stadium in Maturin, Venezuela, on October 10, 2024. (Photo by JUAN BARRETO / AFP)
However, midway through the second half, veteran striker Salomon Rondon met Yeferson Soteldo’s cross with a header that flew past Argentina goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, rewarding Venezuela for a valiant performance in front of their home crowd.
Argentina, the winners of the 2022 World Cup, are still very much on track to qualify for the 2026 finals, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Six winners from South America’s 10-team round-robin qualifying competition will advance to the finals of the tournament, which has been extended to 48 teams.Three points ahead of second-place Colombia, who were shockingly defeated 1-0 by Bolivia in other qualifying action on Thursday, is Argentina, who have 19 points from nine games.However, rivals Brazil are still having a difficult time qualifying, even though Argentina appears to be on track to do so with ease.After just two minutes, Chile, who are currently in last place in the standings, stunned Brazil with a header that looped over Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson to make it 1-0. Veteran striker Eduardo Vargas did the scoring.
However, Brazil equalised in stoppage time of the first half when Savinho found space and crossed for Igor Jesus, the forward for Botafogo, to head home.It appeared that the game would end in a draw until the 89th minute, when Luiz Henrique, a substitute from Brazil, scored a low goal from the edge of the area to make it 2-1.With 13 points from nine games, Brazil is now six points behind leaders Brazil in the standings after the victory.