2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Can Argentina Defend Their Title? Paraguay's Rise & Brazil's Crisis

Uruguay’s Slump: Bielsa’s side struggles for goals (0 in last 2 games).
Colombia’s Collapse: Just 1 win in 6 matches as opponents adapt.
Venezuela’s Hope: A 1-0 win over Peru keeps their playoff dream alive.
Chile’s Late Rally: Gareca’s improvements may arrive too late.

Argentina’s Historic Quest: Can They Conquer Back-to-Back World Cup Titles?

With a commanding 31 points and a +18 goal difference, Argentina has already secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup. Their recent performances—a 1-0 victory over Uruguay and a 4-1 demolition of Brazil—highlight their strength even without Lionel Messi. The emergence of Julián Álvarez and Thiago Almada provides hope for the future, though questions linger about their aging defense. Coach Lionel Scaloni plans to use remaining qualifiers to experiment, ensuring Argentina enters the tournament as strong favorites.

Ecuador’s Defensive Masterclass: But Where Are the Goals?

Ecuador’s 23 points and conceding just 5 goals in 14 matches showcase their defensive brilliance. Young center-backs like Piero Hincapié and Joel Ordóñez anchor a formidable backline. However, their reliance on 35-year-old Enner Valencia (5 goals this campaign) raises concerns. Without a consistent attacking threat beyond Valencia, Ecuador risks stagnation despite their solid foundation.

Brazil’s Crisis: Is Dorival Júnior the Right Man?

Brazil’s 4-1 humiliation by Argentina exposed deep flaws. Dorival Júnior’s tactical missteps and lack of emotional control mirror the chaos of their 2014 semifinal collapse. While individual brilliance (e.g., Vinícius Jr.) masks issues, Brazil appears disjointed. Calls for a managerial change grow louder as their 2026 hopes dwindle.

Paraguay’s Surge: Gustavo Alfaro’s Underdog Magic

Unbeaten in 8 straight qualifiers, Paraguay (21 points) thrives under Alfaro. His pragmatic yet bold approach—evident in their 2-2 comeback vs. Colombia—has revived a team once written off. With belief soaring, Paraguay eyes their first World Cup since 2010.