Reigning champions Argentina have officially qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, thanks to Bolivia’s 0-0 draw against Uruguay on Matchday 14 of the South American qualifiers.
With this result, Argentina will defend their title at the tournament without even playing, becoming the sixth team to secure a spot after co-hosts Canada, Mexico, and the USA, along with Iran, Japan, and New Zealand.
Bolivia, the only remaining team that could have mathematically caught Argentina, failed to close the gap, making Argentina’s qualification inevitable.
Later, Argentina reinforced their dominance with a commanding 4-1 victory over arch-rivals Brazil, despite the absence of Lionel Messi.
The 2026 World Cup will mark Argentina’s 19th appearance in the tournament—trailing only Germany (20) and Brazil (22) in total participations.
