ROME (ITALPRESS) – A third defeat for Argentina in the South American qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup, to be played between Canada, the United States and Mexico. On the turf of the Estadio Defensores del Chaco in Asuncion, the Albiceleste succumbed 2-1 to Paraguay thanks to Alderete’s decisive goal, scored at 2′ of the second half. The reigning world champions, triumphants in the last Copa America, had gone ahead in the 11th minute through Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez, while Bielsa’s selection had equalized in the 19th minute through Torino striker Antonio Sanabria. Among Scaloni’s rainbowed side, still leading the group standings with 22 points (+3 from Colombia), Lionel Messi started and final minutes for Roma midfielder Leandro Paredes and Lazio forward Taty Castellanos. Bielsa’s Paraguay climbs to sixth place, the last for direct qualification, at 16. At the Estadio Monumental de Maturin, it ends 1-1 between Venezuela and Brazil, with the Selecao, after Raphinha’s goal (43′), being caught at 46′ by Segovia. For the greenoros, a penalty missed by Vinicius Junior in 62′ and numerical superiority in the closing minutes due to the expulsion of Gonzalez in the 89th minute. Only bench for Juventus defender Danilo. In the standings, Junior’s team is third with 17 points, Batista’s team seventh with 12 (playoff placement). Finally, it was all simple for Ecuador, which at the Estadio Banco Pichincha in Guayaquil liquidated Bolivia with a resounding 4-0, in ten from 24′ due to Sagredo’s direct red, with goals from Valencia on a penalty kick (26′), Plata (28′ and 49′) and Minda (61′). The Beccacece-led national team thus rises to fifth place at 16, Villegas’ remains fixed at 12.- Photo Ipa Agency -(ITALPRESS).
