The South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup continued with a key match on September 10 at 16:30 in the 8th round. Colombia, playing at home, secured a 2–1 victory over Argentina, handing the reigning world champions their first defeat of this qualification campaign. With goals from Mosquera and a penalty from James Rodríguez, Colombia took all three points and solidified their place in the top three of the standings.

Match Recap

Ranked 9th in the world and with a squad valued at €293 million, Colombia did not qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. However, they have been in top form during this qualification campaign, remaining unbeaten through the first seven rounds and securing a solid position in the top three. The team boasts stars such as Luis Díaz, James Rodríguez, and Jefferson Lerma, showcasing their strong competitive edge.

On the other side, Argentina, despite Lionel Messi missing the match due to injury, still entered the game as the top-ranked team in the world. Under head coach Lionel Scaloni, Argentina has won two Copa América titles and the World Cup over the past two years, setting new records in South American football. The squad, now featuring a new generation of talents like Enzo Fernández, Julián Álvarez, and Alexis Mac Allister, continues to lead Argentina’s offensive efforts.

Match Highlights

The breakthrough came in the 25th minute when Colombia capitalized on a well-executed tactical corner. James Rodríguez sent in a corner short to J-Arias, who returned it to James. James then delivered a precise cross into the box, where Mosquera rose high to head the ball into the net, putting Colombia 1–0 ahead.

Just three minutes into the second half, Argentina capitalized on a defensive mistake by Colombia. González intercepted a pass and surged into the box, slotting the ball into the net with a low shot, leveling the game at 1–1.

In the 53rd minute, the match turned once again. Colombian player Daniel Muñoz went down in the Argentine penalty area, with the referee initially signaling no foul. However, VAR intervened, and after a review, the referee confirmed that Nicolás Otamendi had committed a foul, awarding Colombia a penalty. James Rodríguez stepped up and calmly converted the spot-kick, sending Emiliano Martínez the wrong way and restoring Colombia’s lead at 2–1.

In the end, Colombia held on to their crucial victory. After eight rounds, they now have 16 points, firmly securing a top-three spot. Argentina, on the other hand, suffered their first defeat of the year, remaining on 18 points.

Post-Match Summary

Colombia’s victory not only ended Argentina’s unbeaten streak but also demonstrated their resilience and fighting spirit at home. Despite missing Messi, Argentina’s young generation of players still put in a commendable performance. As the qualification tournament progresses, this match is sure to be a pivotal moment in the race for South American World Cup berths.