Argentina and Brazil, two of South America’s football giants, both suffered defeats in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers without their iconic stars Lionel Messi and Neymar. Argentina, despite being the reigning world and Copa America champions, were stunned by a 2-1 loss to Colombia in Barranquilla. James Rodriguez played a pivotal role for Colombia, scoring a penalty and providing an assist for Yerson Mosquera’s opening goal. Argentina managed to equalise early in the second half through Nico Gonzalez, but Rodriguez’s penalty sealed the victory for Colombia, giving them revenge for their previous loss in the Copa America final.
Brazil, on the other hand, endured a frustrating 1-0 defeat against Paraguay in Asuncion. Diego Gomez’s deflected goal in the 20th minute proved to be the difference, as Brazil’s trio of Real Madrid forwards—Vinicius Junior, Endrick, and Rodrygo—failed to break through Paraguay’s strong defensive setup. Brazil’s coach Dorival Junior, who had made bold predictions about reaching the next World Cup final, now faces questions about his tactics and the team’s cohesion.
Both Argentina and Brazil remain in contention for World Cup qualification, though the losses underscore the challenges they face without their talismanic leaders, Messi and Neymar.
The Good
- Emerging talent: The absence of Messi and Neymar in these matches opened the door for younger and less established players to step up. This provides opportunities for the next generation of football talent to shine and gain valuable international experience, which is essential for the long-term future of these teams.
- Balanced competition: The results signal a more competitive playing field in South American football. Teams like Colombia and Paraguay showed that they can challenge the traditional powerhouses, making the qualifiers more exciting and unpredictable for fans. This healthy competition is good for the sport, as it encourages higher standards across all teams in the region.
- Tactical growth: Both Argentina and Brazil can take valuable lessons from these defeats, particularly when it comes to adapting their tactics in the absence of their star players. Coaches and players alike can reflect on their performances, identify areas for improvement, and strengthen their strategies for future matches.
- Fostering resilience: These unexpected setbacks can build resilience in teams. Learning how to overcome adversity is crucial, especially in long tournaments like the World Cup qualifiers. Both Brazil and Argentina will likely emerge stronger from these defeats, enhancing their mental toughness.
- Engaging the fanbase: The close and unpredictable nature of these matches keeps fans engaged. Upsets like these generate conversation and heighten interest in future fixtures, driving further excitement in the lead-up to the World Cup.
The Bad
- Dependence on star players: The losses by Argentina and Brazil underline their over-reliance on Lionel Messi and Neymar. Without these players, both teams struggled to find the same level of creativity and cutting-edge performance. This could expose deeper structural weaknesses in their squads, where reliance on a few individuals may lead to underperformance in the long run.
- Pressure on coaches: Brazil’s coach Dorival Junior now faces increased pressure. His bold statement about reaching the World Cup final appears premature, especially after a defeat to Paraguay. Similarly, Argentina’s Lionel Scaloni will have to find ways to mitigate the loss of Messi, especially as they continue through the gruelling qualifying process.
- Confidence issues: Brazil’s defender Marquinhos mentioned the squad’s lack of confidence, which could be a worrying sign moving forward. The defeat could exacerbate this issue, leading to a prolonged dip in form. A lack of belief within the team can negatively impact performance, and recovering from this psychologically can be difficult.
- Fan disappointment: Fans of both Argentina and Brazil will be disheartened by these losses, particularly given the historical dominance of their teams in South America. The absence of stars like Messi and Neymar may have lessened the excitement for these matches, and fans may start to worry about their teams’ ability to perform at the highest level without them.
- Qualification challenges: While both teams remain in decent positions to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, any further slip-ups could complicate their paths. With the competition becoming more unpredictable, the margin for error is shrinking, and these defeats might foreshadow tougher battles ahead.
The Take (700 words minimum):
The latest round of South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered surprising results, as footballing giants Argentina and Brazil both suffered unexpected losses in the absence of their star players, Lionel Messi and Neymar. These defeats not only highlighted the vulnerabilities of two of the world’s most celebrated teams but also revealed a growing competitive spirit within the region, with teams like Colombia and Paraguay stepping up to challenge the traditional powerhouses.
Argentina’s 2-1 loss to Colombia was particularly significant, as it marked the first time they were beaten by the Colombians since 2019. The match, held in the hot and humid conditions of Barranquilla, saw Colombia take the lead through a close-range header by Yerson Mosquera in the 25th minute. Argentina fought back in the second half with an equaliser from Nico Gonzalez, who capitalised on a misplaced pass by James Rodriguez. However, Rodriguez quickly made amends by scoring a penalty after a video review confirmed a foul inside the box. His goal ultimately secured a crucial win for Colombia, who were undoubtedly seeking revenge for their Copa America final defeat to Argentina just a few months earlier.
For Argentina, the defeat was a stark reminder of their reliance on Lionel Messi. Without their talismanic captain, the team lacked the creative spark that has often seen them through difficult matches. While coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged that the extreme heat played a role in the team’s performance, he also recognised the need for his squad to adapt and perform better in challenging conditions, especially with the demanding World Cup qualification process ahead.
Brazil, meanwhile, faced a frustrating evening in Asuncion, where they were defeated 1-0 by Paraguay. The match’s only goal came in the 20th minute, when Diego Gomez struck from the edge of the box, his shot deflecting off the post and past Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson. Brazil’s star-studded forward line, featuring Vinicius Junior, Endrick, and Rodrygo, struggled to break down Paraguay’s resolute defence, and as the match wore on, it became clear that the team lacked the fluidity and confidence that has traditionally defined Brazilian football.
Coach Dorival Junior, who had been appointed in January and had confidently predicted that Brazil would reach the World Cup final, now faces a reality check. His decision to start the match with three Real Madrid attackers appeared to backfire, as Brazil failed to create many meaningful chances. After the match, Brazilian midfielder Lucas Moura admitted that the game felt over as soon as Paraguay scored, indicating the difficulty Brazil had in unlocking their opponent’s defensive strategy.
Defender Marquinhos echoed this sentiment, pointing out that Brazil’s squad has not displayed the usual confidence expected of the five-time world champions in recent matches. This loss, their first under Dorival Junior’s management, may serve as a warning that Brazil’s path to the World Cup will not be as smooth as some had anticipated, especially if they continue to struggle in finding a coherent and effective playing style without Neymar.
Both Argentina and Brazil remain well-positioned to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, with Argentina leading the South American qualifiers despite their defeat and Brazil sitting in fifth place. However, these results highlight the unpredictability of the CONMEBOL qualifiers, where no team can afford to take any match for granted. The expanded format of the 2026 World Cup, which allows six South American teams to qualify directly, still gives both Argentina and Brazil a comfortable margin, but any further slip-ups could make their journey to the tournament more difficult.
For the fans of both teams, these defeats will be concerning. Argentina, buoyed by their recent World Cup and Copa America triumphs, would have expected a smoother run through the qualifiers, even without Messi. Meanwhile, Brazil’s supporters, accustomed to seeing their team dominate in regional competitions, will be questioning whether Dorival Junior is the right man to lead them to another World Cup title.
In the broader context of South American football, these results are encouraging for teams like Colombia and Paraguay, who have long played second fiddle to Argentina and Brazil. Colombia’s victory, in particular, showcases their potential to be a force in the upcoming World Cup, especially if James Rodriguez continues to deliver match-winning performances.
As the qualifiers continue, both Argentina and Brazil will need to regroup and reassess their strategies, particularly when it comes to coping with the absence of their star players. For now, these results serve as a reminder that no team, no matter how decorated, can afford to rest on their laurels in the fiercely competitive world of international football.
