Colombia Attempts to Maintain Streak, Argentina Clashes Against Struggling Brazil

Passion Runs Deep: Colombia Aims to Extend Unbeaten Streak

In the heart of South America, where football passion runs deep, Colombia aims to keep its unbeaten streak alive against Paraguay in the sixth round of the 2026 World Cup North American qualifiers. As the clock strikes 6 p.m., Colombian fans worldwide hold their breath, hoping for another triumphant chapter in their national football history.

Néstor Lorenzo, the Colombian head coach, has been the architect of an extended unbeaten run, instilling confidence in his team's abilities. However, their resilience is not limited to their home turf. Colombia defends another remarkable streak as they reflect on their recent visits to Paraguay, where fortune has consistently favored them. It's necessary to rewind the football clock to 1997 to uncover the last time Colombia faced defeat at the Defensores del Chaco stadium. That match was an intense battle, filled with rough tackles, red cards, and a peculiar penalty that temporarily evened the score for Colombia. Yet, another inexplicable error handed Paraguay the victory in the dying minutes.

Untouched Ground: Colombia's Unbeaten Record on Paraguayan Soil

Since that fateful night in 1997, the Colombian national team has never tasted defeat again on Paraguayan soil. Over the years, their visits have showcased an array of experiences, from resounding victories that mattered little due to their elimination from competitions to crucial triumphs that pushed them closer to World Cup qualification. One memorable moment etched in the annals of Colombian football history was during the qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup when Edwin Cardona scored a dramatic late goal in injury time. The most recent encounter ended in a draw, but Colombia yearns for more today.

Meanwhile, Argentina is gearing up for their clash against Brazil with determination and careful preparations. Coach Lionel Scaloni keeps his strategies close to his chest, leaving fans and pundits speculating about his lineup choices. Ángel di Maria, Nicolás González, and Leandro Paredes are vying for a spot in the midfield, while Lautaro Martínez is expected to lead the attack, aiming to break his goal drought for the national team.

Argentina sits at the top of the 10-team South American qualifying group, having amassed 12 points from five matches. Following closely behind is Uruguay, in second place with 10 points. Colombia holds the third spot with nine points, while Venezuela is just back with eight points. Surprisingly, Brazil finds itself in fifth place, having accumulated seven points.
Ecuador, Paraguay, and Chile share the same points tally of five each. Bolivia trails with three points, and Peru has just one point to their name.

Also read: Luis Díaz's Triumph Over Adversity in Colombia's Victory

Stakes Remain High: The Road to the 2026 World Cup

In the grand scheme of things, the 2026 World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will feature 48 teams. This format grants direct qualification to the top six teams from South America. However, the seventh-placed team still has a chance to secure a spot through an intercontinental playoff, ensuring the stakes remain high in the race to football's most prestigious tournament.

Additionally, on Tuesday, Uruguay will face Bolivia, while Ecuador will extend a warm welcome to Chile, and Peru will serve as the host for a match against Venezuela. Looking ahead, the seventh and eighth rounds of the South American qualifiers are scheduled for September, following the conclusion of the next Copa America edition in the United States.