Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay Qualify for 2026 World Cup

Montevideo, Sep 5 (AP) Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay have secured their places in the 2026 World Cup following the penultimate round of South American qualifiers. Uruguay and Colombia achieved commanding 3-0 victories on Thursday, while Paraguay advanced with a scoreless draw, joining Argentina, Brazil, and Ecuador in the global tournament.

Uruguay's coach, Marcelo Bielsa, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “It's a good way to qualify. The team's offensive play was strong, there were also many highlights in individual performances.” With this result, Peru, needing victories in the final two rounds, has been eliminated from contention after losing to Uruguay. Peru's coach, Oscar Ibanez, remarked, “It hurts to lose, it hurts because of the effort the players put in, but today the opponent outclassed us.”

Colombia's triumph was highlighted by James Rodriguez, who opened the scoring in the 31st minute. John Cordoba and Juan Fernando Quintero added goals in the second half, sealing the win over Bolivia. Colombia makes its return to the World Cup scene, having missed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. This marks Colombia's seventh World Cup appearance, after debuting in Chile in 1962 and making consecutive appearances between 1990 and 1998, and once again in 2014 and 2018.

James Rodriguez, reflecting on his journey, said, “This jersey has given me so much. I'm grateful for everything I'm doing. I've always given everything and I'll keep the good things for myself.” The World Cup champions, Argentina, secured a dominant 3-0 win over Venezuela, with Lionel Messi scoring twice and maintaining their lead at the top of the South American standings.

Additionally, Brazil achieved a 3-0 victory over Chile, climbing to second place in the standings. Goals were scored by Estêvão, Lucas Paquetá, and Bruno Guimaraes, with the 18-year-old Estêvão, playing for Chelsea, marking his first national team goal in the 38th minute, followed by a strike from Paquetá in the 72nd and another by Guimaraes in the 76th. (AP) PDS PDS

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