Argentina has become the first South American team to secure a place in the 2026 World Cup after Bolivia and Uruguay played to a 0-0 draw on Tuesday. The reigning World Cup champions, who are set to face Brazil in Buenos Aires later in the day, qualified without even taking the field.
The result of the match between Bolivia and Uruguay guarantees Argentina a top-six finish in South America's qualifying standings, securing them an automatic spot in the tournament. With 28 points from 13 games, Argentina cannot be surpassed by Bolivia, who remain in seventh place with 14 points from 14 matches.
For Bolivia, the draw leaves their hopes of automatic qualification hanging by a thread, as they needed a win to keep Argentina's qualification wait going. Despite creating multiple opportunities, Bolivia was unable to break through, with Uruguay's goalkeeper, Sergio Rochet, making a series of crucial saves.
Meanwhile, Uruguay's position in the standings remains strong, as they sit in fourth place with 21 points from 14 games, well on track for World Cup qualification.
The 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will see six South American teams automatically qualify due to its expansion to 48 teams. Argentina is now eyeing its fourth World Cup title after previous victories in 1978, 1986, and 2022.
