Venezuela Draws Brazil, Argentina Tops Qualifiers

 Venezuela Draws Brazil, Argentina Tops Qualifiers

Nicolas Otamendi of Argentina celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Argentina and Paraguay at Estadio Más Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on October 12, 2023 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.(Image-Getty)

Venezuela Stuns Brazil with 1-1 Draw, Argentina Tops CONMEBOL Standings After Victory Over Paraguay

In the 2026 World Cup qualifier, Eduard Bello's spectacular overhead kick secured a draw for Venezuela against Brazil, as Gabriel Magalhaes and Neymar's efforts had initially put Brazil ahead. Meanwhile, Argentina claimed the top spot in the CONMEBOL standings by defeating Paraguay 1-0, with Nicolas Otamendi's early volley setting the tone for the match in Buenos Aires.

Despite Brazil's dominance and Vinicius Jr.'s disallowed goal, Bello's late equalizer dashed their hopes of a victory. Argentina's win, fueled by Otamendi's exceptional strike, reinforced their position at the summit, even with Lionel Messi's late efforts hitting the crossbar during his second-half appearance.

In other matches, Uruguay managed a 2-2 draw against Colombia, courtesy of a late penalty from Darwin Nunez. Despite James Rodriguez and Mateus Uribe's goals for Colombia, Uruguay's persistence, particularly after Camilo Vargas' red card, ensured they salvaged a point.

With Chile's 2-0 triumph over Peru, Colombia and Uruguay secure the third and fourth spots, respectively, in the standings, with Chile closely trailing in fifth place. The upcoming matches include Brazil's clash against Uruguay in Montevideo and Argentina's game against Peru in Lima on October 17.