The race is nearly over in the South American qualifiers, and with one matchday remaining, all six direct spots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have officially been claimed. Powerhouses Argentina and Brazil will be joined in North America by Uruguay, Colombia, Ecuador, and — in a surprise twist — Paraguay, who return to the global stage for the first time since 2010.

Uruguay and Colombia punched their tickets in emphatic fashion, both cruising to dominant 3-0 home victories. La Celeste brushed aside Peru in Montevideo, while Los Cafeteros dismantled Bolivia in Barranquilla to seal their qualification with style.

Paraguay secured the sixth and final automatic spot with a hard-fought 0-0 draw at home against Ecuador — a result that was just enough to mathematically guarantee their place in the top six of the CONMEBOL standings.

But the story isn't quite over yet. One more South American side will still have a shot at reaching the 2026 World Cup via the intercontinental playoffs. Heading into the final round of fixtures, Venezuela currently occupies the crucial seventh place, with Bolivia just one point behind and still very much in the hunt.

As for Chile and Peru, the dream is officially over. Both nations have been eliminated from contention and will miss out on the expanded 48-team tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.