Defending champions Argentina saw their qualification for the 2026 World Cup confirmed before facing Brazil on Tuesday, due to a goalless draw between Bolivia and Uruguay.
Lionel Scaloni’s side started Tuesday’s action six points clear of second-placed Ecuador and 13 ahead of seventh-placed Bolivia.
The top six in the CONMEBOL qualification group are guaranteed a place at the next World Cup, while the team in seventh will qualify for an intra-confederation play-off.
Bolivia’s draw with Uruguay in El Alto made it mathematically impossible for Argentina to drop out of the top six, ahead of their meeting with the Selecao.
They were indebted to a resolute Uruguay defensive performance for rubber-stamping their spot at the World Cup, with goalkeeper Sergio Rochet making seven saves as Bolivia laid siege to his goal – more than any Uruguay goalkeeper in a qualifier since Fernando Muslera against Brazil in October 2021.
Bolivia rattled off 32 shots during the draw, with Ramiro Vaca creating a massive 13 chances for team-mates, none of which were taken.
Argentina are the fourth team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup aside from co-hosts United States, Mexico and Canada, with Japan, Iran and New Zealand also definites.
WACOCA: People, Life, Style.