CNN
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Brazil and Argentina both suffered defeats in their 2026 World Cup qualifying matches on Tuesday.

For the SelectionThe 1-0 defeat to Paraguay was particularly worrying as it was the team’s fourth defeat in their last five qualifying matches.

The result moves the five-time world champions to fifth place in the standings, with the top six teams automatically earning a spot in the 2026 tournament, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.

Diego Gómez scored the winning goal for Paraguay in Asunción, firing a superb shot with the outside of his boot from the edge of the penalty area in off the post.

Brazil came close just minutes after Gómez’s first-half goal when Guilherme Arana’s shot was cleared off the line by Júnior Alonso, preventing the visiting side from scoring an immediate equaliser.

It was a poor performance from Brazil, who had 71% possession but only managed three shots on target. Vinícius Jr. had two chances in quick succession in the second half, but both attempts were saved by goalkeeper Gatito Fernández.

After being knocked out of the Copa América by Uruguay in the quarter-finals earlier this year, Brazil’s slump under coach Dorival Júnior continued in the World Cup qualifiers. However, a 1-0 win over Ecuador on Friday eased the pressure on the team.

“The coach is still trying to figure out how we can play the best and that shows in the results,” defender Marquinhos told TV Globo, according to Reuters. “There are a lot of new players, we lack confidence.

“Qualifying is not easy, it is a difficult time and we have to know how to deal with it. It is a time of transition, we do not feel confident. We are going to work hard, getting results on the pitch is the best answer.”

Argentina are still top of the table despite losing 2-1 to Colombia in Barranquilla.

Captain James Rodriguez, who has long been a talisman for the Cafeteriasplayed a key role in the victory over the reigning World Cup and Copa América champions, crossing for a close-range header from Yerson Mosquera and converting a second-half penalty.

Nicolás González had equalised for Argentina early in the second half, but a foul by Nicolás Otamendi, which he committed after a review by the video referee (VAR), allowed Rodríguez to fire a penalty into the top corner and return the lead to Colombia.

Argentina are still without Lionel Messi, who suffered an ankle injury in the Copa America final in July. However, manager Lionel Scaloni has said he hopes the star player will return for the next round of qualifiers in October.

Argentina have won six of their eight World Cup qualifiers and are two points ahead of Colombia in the standings, who are unbeaten with four wins and four draws.