Brazil and Ecuador have successfully secured their places for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, advancing from the South American qualifying rounds with games still to spare. The expanded tournament is set to be hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, promising an exciting global spectacle.

Brazil clinched their qualification with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paraguay in Sao Paulo. Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. was the hero, scoring the decisive goal from close range in the second half, finishing adeptly after excellent build-up play from Manchester United-bound playmaker Matheus Cunha. This crucial win marked the first for new manager Carlo Ancelotti, following a 0-0 draw against Ecuador in his debut match. With this result, Brazil proudly maintains its unique and historic record of qualifying for every single edition of the World Cup. After the match, Vinicius Jr. expressed his satisfaction, stating, "We needed to win and qualify for the World Cup. Now the coach will have more time to work. Of course today wasn't one of our best performances, but the important thing is always to win. Now it's time to celebrate qualifying." Brazil currently sits third in the South American standings with 25 points.

Ecuador also booked their ticket to the prestigious tournament, securing their spot despite a goalless draw against Peru in Lima. The Ecuadorian side, known as El Tri, had to endure a tense final period after midfielder Alan Franco was dismissed for a second yellow card with more than 20 minutes remaining. Nevertheless, the draw was enough to see them through, placing them second in the standings with 25 points, ahead of Brazil on goal difference.

Meanwhile, reigning World Cup champions Argentina, already assured of their place at the 2026 tournament, played out an entertaining 1-1 draw against Colombia in Buenos Aires. Liverpool winger Luis Diaz gave Colombia the lead with a spectacular individual effort, skillfully maneuvering past three defenders before slotting the ball past Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Argentina's task became more challenging when Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez was shown a straight red card for a high-boot challenge on Colombia's Kevin Castano with about 20 minutes remaining. However, Lionel Messi's side demonstrated their resilience, finding an equalizer nine minutes from the end through Lyon's Thiago Almada, who converted a pass from Exequiel Palacios with a low drilled shot. Argentina remains comfortably at the top of South America's qualifying group with 35 points, while Colombia is in sixth place, 13 points behind Argentina and four points clear of seventh-placed Venezuela.

In contrast to the celebrations for Brazil and Ecuador, Chile's World Cup campaign came to a disappointing end. Their hopes were dashed following another underwhelming result, a 2-0 away loss to Bolivia in El Alto. Goals from Miguel Terceros and Enzo Monteiro sealed Chile's fate, marking their tenth defeat in the qualifiers. La Roja now sits last in the 10-nation standings and is mathematically eliminated from contention for even a playoff spot. Following this definitive loss, Ricardo Gareca announced his resignation as Chile's head coach. Peru, on the other hand, remains theoretically alive in the qualification race despite their draw with Ecuador. Currently ninth, Peru would need a highly unlikely combination of results in their final two qualifiers against Uruguay and Paraguay, along with other favorable outcomes, to have a chance at a playoff position.

Elsewhere in the qualifiers, Uruguay strengthened their position, moving to within a point of sealing their own World Cup berth. They achieved this with a solid 2-0 victory over Venezuela in Montevideo, thanks to goals from Rodrigo Aguirre and Giorgian de Arrascaeta.