Argentina has officially qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first South American team to book their place in the expanded tournament. The reigning world champions secured their spot without even kicking a ball, thanks to Bolivia’s goalless draw against Uruguay on Tuesday.
With that result, Bolivia remains in seventh place with 14 points from 14 games, making it mathematically impossible for them to overtake Argentina. La Albiceleste, sitting comfortably at the top of the standings with 28 points from 13 matches, is now guaranteed an automatic qualification spot, as the top six teams from South America will earn direct entry into the tournament.
Bolivia needed a win to delay Argentina’s qualification but failed to capitalize on their chances, with Uruguay’s goalkeeper, Sergio Rochet, making key saves to deny them. Meanwhile, Uruguay’s draw keeps them in fourth place with 21 points, keeping their own qualification hopes alive.
With the 2026 World Cup set to feature an expanded 48-team format, Argentina now shifts focus to preparing for their title defense. Having won the tournament in 1978, 1986, and most recently in 2022, Lionel Scaloni’s squad will be aiming to add a fourth star to their badge when they take the global stage in North America.
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