Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay have secured their spots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup early Friday morning,thus taking number of secured spots to 16.
The teams joined Brazil, Ecuador, and reigning champions Argentina as South America’s representatives.
At a jubilant Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, Uruguay sealed qualification with a commanding 3-0 victory over Peru.
Rodrigo Aguirre opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a powerful header, and Giorgian de Arrascaeta doubled the advantage just before the hour mark. Federico Viñas added a third late on to seal the win.
The result confirmed Uruguay’s return to the global stage.
The victory also marked veteran coach Marcelo Bielsa’s third time leading a national team to the World Cup.
Colombia also cruised to qualification with a comfortable 3-0 triumph over Bolivia.
James RodrÃguez struck first after the half-hour mark, before Jhon Córdoba and Juan Fernando Quintero completed the scoring.
Meanwhile, Paraguay needed only a point at home against Ecuador and got the job done with a goalless draw.
The result ensured Los GuaranÃes will feature at their ninth World Cup and their first since 2010.
Elsewhere, Lionel Messi provided another magical night in Buenos Aires.
The Argentine scored twice to help already-qualified Argentina defeat Venezuela 3-0.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner scored in the 39th and 80th minutes, in what was his last home qualifier for the Albiceleste.
With six of CONMEBOL’s guaranteed spots sealed, there is an intercontinental playoff chance for one more team from the region.
As it stands, 16 nations worldwide have already confirmed their places at the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Confirmed Teams for 2026 World Cup
Mexico, USA, and Canada qualified as hosts.
Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, and Uzbekistan qualified from the Asia region.
Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay qualified from South America.
New Zealand secured the sole Oceania ticket.
