Bolivia beats Brazil 1-0 to advance to World Cup playoff from South American qualifying

EL ALTO, Bolivia — In a stunning upset, Bolivia secured a historic 1-0 victory over Brazil in South American qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Miguel Terceros was the hero of the match, converting a penalty in the 45th minute to give Bolivia a memorable win over the powerhouse Brazilian team.

This victory not only marked Bolivia’s first win against Brazil at home since 2019 but also helped them advance to the playoff tournament for the upcoming World Cup. The playoff tournament, scheduled for March’s international window, will feature six nations vying for the final two spots in the World Cup to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next year.

Bolivia, aiming to qualify for its fourth World Cup and first since 1994, showcased their resilience and determination in the match against Brazil. Despite facing a formidable opponent, they managed to hold their own and secure a crucial victory.

In another key match, Colombia’s dominant performance against Venezuela, with a resounding 6-3 victory, played a significant role in Bolivia’s advancement to the playoff tournament. Striker Luis Diaz was the standout performer for Colombia, scoring four goals to lead his team to victory.

Elsewhere, Enner Valencia’s late penalty kick secured a 1-0 win for Ecuador against reigning champions Argentina. Lionel Messi, who recently played his last official match at home, was absent from the match.

Uruguay concluded their qualifying campaign with a scoreless draw against Chile, while Paraguay secured a 1-0 victory over Peru. With Uruguay, Colombia, and Ecuador already securing their spots in the World Cup, Bolivia’s advancement to the playoff tournament adds another layer of excitement to the South American qualifiers.

The upcoming playoff tournament promises to be a thrilling and competitive event as teams battle it out for the final two spots in the World Cup. Stay tuned for more updates on the road to the 2026 World Cup.

___
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer