{"id":659194,"date":"2025-09-05T01:23:22","date_gmt":"2025-09-05T05:23:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/?p=659194"},"modified":"2025-09-10T03:52:49","modified_gmt":"2025-09-10T07:52:49","slug":"colombia-and-paraguay-confirm-2026-world-cup-qualification-venezuela-maintains-faith","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2025\/09\/05\/colombia-and-paraguay-confirm-2026-world-cup-qualification-venezuela-maintains-faith\/","title":{"rendered":"Colombia and Paraguay Confirm 2026 World Cup Qualification, Venezuela Maintains Faith"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The race for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification in South America is almost over. On Thursday night, Colombia and Paraguay became the latest teams to secure their spots, while Bolivia and Venezuela were left to battle for the final playoff berth in CONMEBOL.<\/p>\n<h3>James Rodr\u00edguez Delivers Another Magical Moment for Colombia<\/h3>\n<p>Long after fans had left the national stadium in Barranquilla, Colombia\u2019s captain James Rodr\u00edguez <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/JFCadavid\/status\/1963795569341542768\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">sat quietly on the grass<\/a>, reflecting on the team\u2019s return to the World Cup after missing out in 2022, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/6062572\/2025\/01\/15\/james-rodriguez-liga-mx-leon-colombia\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">reflecting on his career<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>A player who has always given everything for his country, despite a rocky club career, James once again proved to be the talisman in Colombia\u2019s most crucial moments. One of the most famous Colombian footballers of all time, the 34-year-old attacking midfielder remains the heartbeat of the national side.<\/p>\n<p>With 116 caps, James is now Colombia\u2019s most-capped outfield player (only goalkeeper David Ospina has more, with 129). His international r\u00e9sum\u00e9 speaks for itself: six goals and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=e3lx1ZJxn8A\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Golden Boot<\/a> in Colombia\u2019s historic 2014 World Cup quarterfinal run; two goals and multiple assists in the 2016 Copa Am\u00e9rica; and six goals in the 2018 qualifying campaign, including the decisive strike against Peru. Though injuries limited him at the 2018 finals, he still contributed two assists.<\/p>\n<div class=\"getty embed image\" style=\"background-color: #fff; display: inline-block; font-family: Roboto,sans-serif; color: #a7a7a7; font-size: 11px; width: 100%; max-width: 594px;\">\n<div style=\"padding: 0; margin: 0; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2233755325\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow: hidden; position: relative; height: 0; padding: 66.66667% 0 0 0; width: 100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" style=\"display: inline-block; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; margin: 0;\" src=\"\/\/embed.gettyimages.com\/embed\/2233755325?et=oLHdD0JHQEZsS5O3LNKL6A&amp;tld=com&amp;sig=lbeMB5LVCCvzUKX1PR8euNSrMb7bslbAw6mWJb8ZUs8=&amp;caption=true&amp;ver=1\" width=\"594\" height=\"396\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>At the 2024 Copa Am\u00e9rica, James sparked a late-career resurgence, setting the all-time tournament record with six assists and adding a goal, while creating 19 chances overall.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"JAMES RODR\u00cdGUEZ - Came Back 10 Years Later - Classy Skills, Goals, Passes - Copa Am\u00e9rica 2024\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/JnGAjkQSaxM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>This qualifying cycle again showcased his leadership. Against Bolivia, it was James who broke the deadlock with a composed finish in the 31st minute, sending the packed stadium into raptures. Bolivia rarely threatened (just three shots on target), and after James was replaced by River Plate\u2019s Juan Fernando Quintero, Colombia added two more goals. Quintero assisted Jhon C\u00f3rdoba in the 74th minute, then scored a spectacular strike himself to seal a 3\u20130 win and confirm Colombia\u2019s World Cup ticket.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Juan Fernando Quintero, emocionado tras la clasificaci\u00f3n de Colombia a la Copa del Mundo\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/VT_4K0TrhiI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Another highlight came late, when 39-year-old <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2025\/09\/01\/dayro-moreno-colombias-wild-card-striker-aims-for-world-cup-return-at-40\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">Dayro Moreno<\/a> entered the pitch, becoming the oldest outfield player ever to appear for Colombia. The nation\u2019s all-time leading scorer received a <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/AlfonsoH\/status\/1963775413366464643\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">hero\u2019s welcome<\/a>, with Colombian fans across the world singing the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.elcolombiano.com\/deportes\/baila-morena-dairo-moreno-hector-tito-revivio-dayromania-FF28968973\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Baile Moreno song<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Colombian manager N\u00e9stor Lorenzo now faces key questions about his aging squad with two friendlies in the United States upcoming. Still, with the 2026 World Cup staged in the United States, Mexico, and Canada \u2014 home to a massive Colombian diaspora \u2014 his team can expect raucous home-like support in stadiums filled with yellow jerseys.<\/p>\n<h3>Paraguay Reaches First World Cup in 16 Years<\/h3>\n<p>It was not the most compelling match, but Paraguay\u2019s scoreless draw with Ecuador was enough to secure their return to the World Cup. Their 6-7-4 record included memorable home victories against regional giants Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay.<\/p>\n<div class=\"getty embed image\" style=\"background-color: #fff; display: inline-block; font-family: Roboto,sans-serif; color: #a7a7a7; font-size: 11px; width: 100%; max-width: 594px;\">\n<div style=\"padding: 0; margin: 0; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2233765100\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow: hidden; position: relative; height: 0; padding: 66.66667% 0 0 0; width: 100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" style=\"display: inline-block; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; margin: 0;\" src=\"\/\/embed.gettyimages.com\/embed\/2233765100?et=6wZGv_TlSRB0ugvTlcOj6Q&amp;tld=com&amp;sig=XpDYQ5REPKvIdqLJjpPtL25QG33eG-upOmNHnVwTl2U=&amp;caption=true&amp;ver=1\" width=\"594\" height=\"396\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>A quarterfinalist at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Paraguay missed the next three tournaments before finally returning in 2026. Against Ecuador, the combined expected goals failed to crack 1, a fitting outcome between two sides that leaned heavily on defensive solidity to qualify under FIFA\u2019s expanded format. Ecuador, powered by Arsenal\u2019s new man <a href=\"https:\/\/www.msn.com\/en-us\/sports\/soccer\/arsenal-piero-hincapie-can-offer-new-dimension-to-bring-best-out-of-eberechi-eze\/ar-AA1LRKgS\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Piero Hincapi\u00e9<\/a> and PSG\u2019s Willian Pacho in defense, has now made three of the last four World Cups \u2014 grinding out four straight goalless draws to finish the campaign. Paraguay, led by Sunderland\u2019s Omar Alderete in the backline, also boasts enough midfield depth to pose problems in the 2026 World Cup.<\/p>\n<p>Elsewhere, Uruguay secured qualification with a 3\u20130 victory over a luckless Peru. Marcelo Bielsa\u2019s team once again looks like a dangerous World Cup contender.<\/p>\n<h3>Venezuela Maintains Faith After Messi Magic<\/h3>\n<div class=\"getty embed image\" style=\"background-color: #fff; display: inline-block; font-family: Roboto,sans-serif; color: #a7a7a7; font-size: 11px; width: 100%; max-width: 594px;\">\n<div style=\"padding: 0; margin: 0; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2233756570\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow: hidden; position: relative; height: 0; padding: 66.66667% 0 0 0; width: 100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" style=\"display: inline-block; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; margin: 0;\" src=\"\/\/embed.gettyimages.com\/embed\/2233756570?et=2qaToF3nSahUiAt6nAqqqw&amp;tld=com&amp;sig=6bgeYugMOt8cuEJeZhhMuYIcx6SxoQWrAJuMXhSa1j0=&amp;caption=true&amp;ver=1\" width=\"594\" height=\"396\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>With a 4-6-7 record and a superior goal difference, Venezuela hold a one-point edge over Bolivia heading into the final matchday. Their momentum took a hit with a heavy defeat to Argentina in Buenos Aires, where a tearful <a href=\"https:\/\/www.msn.com\/en-us\/sports\/soccer\/messi-hits-emotional-brace-as-uruguay-colombia-paraguay-seal-world-cup-spots\/ar-AA1LUCq4\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lionel Messi scored twice,<\/a> and nearly a hat trick, in what may have been his final appearance in front of home fans for the national team.<\/p>\n<p>Bolivia now host Brazil at their daunting high-altitude venue in El Alto. Although Carlo Ancelotti\u2019s Brazil side <a href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/article\/know-means-ancelotti-defends-bold-194500437.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">have little at stake<\/a>, they still possess far more quality, even with a rotated lineup. Brazil dismantled Bolivia 5\u20131 earlier in qualifying, and La Verde showed little bite against Colombia.<\/p>\n<p>That leaves Venezuela with a more realistic path. They host already-qualified Colombia in Matur\u00edn, where they have beaten Peru and Bolivia this campaign. A win guarantees a playoff berth, but even a draw or loss could be enough as long as Bolivia fail to upset Brazil. Should they advance, Venezuela would enter the intercontinental playoff, where, as one <a href=\"https:\/\/www.caracaschronicles.com\/2025\/09\/04\/venezuela-may-reach-the-world-cup-but-theres-little-to-be-proud-of\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Caracas Chronicles columnist<\/a> put it: <em>\u201cWe\u2019ve condemned ourselves to wait on others and, if lucky, plan a match against an African powerhouse like Senegal or Cameroon, spark tension with a likely CONCACAF qualifier like Trinidad &amp; Tobago, or face absolute shame by being knocked out by New Caledonia.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Looking Ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup<\/h3>\n<div class=\"getty embed image\" style=\"background-color: #fff; display: inline-block; font-family: Roboto,sans-serif; color: #a7a7a7; font-size: 11px; width: 100%; max-width: 594px;\">\n<div style=\"padding: 0; margin: 0; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/2233760561\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow: hidden; position: relative; height: 0; padding: 66.66667% 0 0 0; width: 100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" style=\"display: inline-block; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; margin: 0;\" src=\"\/\/embed.gettyimages.com\/embed\/2233760561?et=7EiAfZzqQd93M53nf_8_Vw&amp;tld=com&amp;sig=NVWz9O86XY3bNH-odE5mxa7deeB47FuHHmDlAG_wung=&amp;caption=true&amp;ver=1\" width=\"594\" height=\"396\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>South America\u2019s traditional powers still lead the way. World champions Argentina top the group by 10 points, while Brazil, though inconsistent, and lacking their usual elite squad quality, sit second on 28 points (8-4-5) and showed their quality in a 3\u20130 win over eliminated Chile. Uruguay put together a sterling qualifying campaign, avoiding any late stress.<\/p>\n<p>Ecuador and Paraguay both arrive in 2026 as emerging sides capable of a dark-horse run. Colombia again underwhelmed during qualifying but boast the talent and experience to challenge. The region\u2019s possible final World Cup representative will be decided in March, when either Venezuela or Bolivia heads into the intercontinental playoff against opposition from Africa, Asia, or North\/Central America.<\/p>\n<p>Main Photo Credit: Imago Images Copyright: xDanielxBartel<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The race for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification in South America is almost over. On Thursday night, Colombia and Paraguay became the latest teams to secure their spots, while Bolivia and Venezuela were left to battle for the final playoff berth in CONMEBOL. James Rodr\u00edguez Delivers Another Magical Moment for Colombia Long after fans had [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1442,"featured_media":642425,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2132,2,161,30],"tags":[798,226,32500,1111,3909,3908,437,8451],"class_list":["post-659194","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-world-cup","category-featured","category-international-football","category-news","tag-2026-world-cup","tag-colombia","tag-conembol","tag-james-rodriguez","tag-paraguay","tag-venezuela","tag-world-cup","tag-world-cup-qualifiers"],"modified_by":"Steen Kirby","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/659194","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1442"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=659194"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/659194\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":659196,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/659194\/revisions\/659196"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/642425"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=659194"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=659194"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=659194"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}