Bolivia pulled off one of the biggest shocks of the South American qualifiers to reach the World Cup playoff round.Published On 10 Sep 202510 Sep 2025Bolivia shocked Brazil 1-0 to secure a spot in the intercontinental playoffs for next year’s World Cup, while Argentina suffered a 1-0 defeat by Ecuador in the final round of South America’s 2026 qualifiers on Tuesday night.Bolivia’s Miguel Terceros converted a penalty in first-half stoppage time to secure the home win over five-time World Cup winners Brazil in La Paz, a result which saw Carlo Ancelotti’s side drop to fifth in the standings.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of listBolivia will be joined in the playoffs by two teams from CONCACAF as well as one each from the African, Asian and Oceania confederations, in the hunt for two places at the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.The playoffs will take place in Monterrey and Guadalajara in March. Bolivia’s midfielder Roberto Fernandez, left, and Brazil’s forward Estevao fight for the ball during the match [Daniel Miranda/AFP]Messi-less Argentina stunned by EcuadorWhile Ecuador and reigning champions Argentina had already qualified for the World Cup, there was no shortage of intensity in their match in Guayaquil.Argentina’s Nicolas Otamendi was sent off in the 31st minute, and the hosts capitalised on their numerical advantage when Enner Valencia scored a penalty in first-half stoppage time.Ecuador were also reduced to 10 men when Moises Caicedo was dismissed in the 50th minute, but they held firm to claim the 1-0 victory and go second in the table.Argentina star Lionel Messi, who played his last official match at home last Thursday, did not suit up. Adve …
