Colombia Stuns Brazil, Uruguay Upsets Argentina

 Colombia Stuns Brazil, Uruguay Upsets Argentina

Luis Diaz of Colombia celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Colombia and Brazil at Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez on November 16, 2023 in Barranquilla, Colombia.(Image-Getty)

In their second consecutive World Cup qualifier, Brazil suffered a defeat as Colombia staged a comeback, securing a 2-1 victory against the five-time champions. This loss marked Brazil's third winless game, causing them to drop to fifth place in the South American standings. Liverpool forward Luis Diaz, experiencing a cathartic moment, scored twice within four minutes late in the second half, leading Colombia to a surprising triumph. Brazil had initially taken the lead with a Gabriel Martinelli strike.

Meanwhile, in Buenos Aires, Uruguay delivered a statement win by beating Lionel Messi's Argentina 2-0 at the iconic Bombonera stadium. Goals from Ronald Araujo and Darwin Nunez in each half secured the victory for Uruguay. Throughout the match, Uruguay demonstrated superiority, earning them a second-place standing with 10 points. This win resulted in Argentina dropping their first points in five games in the South America World Cup Qualifiers, holding the lead with 12 points.

Colombia claimed the third spot with nine points, narrowly ahead of Venezuela, who played to a goalless draw at home against sixth-placed Ecuador. Ecuador, one point behind Brazil, secured the fifth position with seven points, adding to the competitive dynamics of the South American standings.