LA PAZ: Bolivia stunned Brazil 1-0 on Tuesday to book a place in the intercontinental playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Ecuador edged Argentina 1-0 in South America’s final qualifying round.
At El Alto’s Estadio Municipal, perched 4,150 metres above sea level, Miguel Terceros netted the decisive goal from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time. The result sealed Bolivia’s first playoff berth in more than three decades and sparked jubilant celebrations from home supporters.
Brazil, despite their attacking options, failed to recover and ended their campaign with a disappointing defeat as they struggled to play at a high altitude.
In Guayaquil, Enner Valencia struck from the spot on the stroke of half-time as Ecuador defeated defending world champions Argentina. Lionel Messi did not feature for Argentina, who also saw Nicolás Otamendi sent off late in the game.
Despite the setback, Argentina still topped the CONMEBOL standings and qualified directly for the finals alongside Ecuador, Uruguay and Colombia.
The intercontinental playoffs, to be held in March 2026 in Mexico, will determine the last two berths for the expanded 48-team tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
