Bolivia makes it to the 2026 World Cup playoff, Venezuela is out
A penalty by Miguel Terceros and a Colombian thrashing decided the final matchday
Bolivia secured a historic spot in the 2026 World Cup playoff after beating Brazil 1-0 in El Alto and benefiting from Colombia's thrashing of Venezuela. The winning goal came in first-half stoppage time thanks to a penalty converted by Miguel Terceros, while the Vinotinto were eliminated after losing 3-6 in Maturin.
The match played at the Municipal Stadium in El Alto, more than 4,000 meters above sea level, saw Bolivia resist the onslaught of a Brazil that showed initiative in the opening minutes.
However, the Verde held on with a secure Carlos Lampe between the posts and found the lead in the final play of the first half.
Victory at Altitude
Chilean referee Cristian Garay awarded a penalty after reviewing a foul by Bruno Guimaraes against Roberto Carlos Fernandez with VAR. Miguel Terceros executed decisively to the left side; Alisson guessed the trajectory, but was unable to stop it. That goal was worth gold for Bolivia.
The second half was played under pressure. Carlo Ancelotti made four attacking changes for Brazil, including Raphinha and Joao Pedro, but Lampe responded with key saves, especially in the 86th minute when he prevented an equalizer from Carmelo Algaranaz.
With the final whistle, Bolivia had 20 points and seventh place in the standings, guaranteeing them a place in the intercontinental play-offs to be played in March 2026 in Mexico. There they will face rivals from Africa, Asia, Oceania and CONCACAF for a World Cup spot.
Colombia sinks Venezuela
In parallel, Colombia secured their direct qualification and was decisive in Venezuela's fate. Nestor Lorenzo's team won 3-6 in Maturin, with a stellar performance from Luis Javier Suarez, who scored four goals. Venezuela had taken an early lead with goals from Telasco Segovia and Josef Martinez, but the defense could not contain the Colombian offense. Mina, Cordoba, and Suarez made a resounding comeback that left the Vinotinto with no options,who finished the qualifying round in eighth place with 18 points.
The defeat was a hard blow for Fernando Batista's team, which now faces an inevitable renewal. Salomon Rondon, Venezuela's all-time top scorer at 35, could have played one of his last matches in the Vinotinto jersey.