Mauricio Pochettino leads USMNT to ugly win over Jamaica; Argentina and Brazil drop points in CONMEBOL

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🌎 Argentina stunned while Brazil drop more points

It is currently the 11th round of FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers in the CONMEBOL zone and South American international does not fail to entertain with Argentina and Brazil both dropping points already this break. Paraguay stunned the world champions while Brazil’s malaise has not totally gone away after being held by Venezuela who are now in a scrap for the playoff spot with Bolivia after Ecuador thumped La Verde. There is still some way to go but the Albiceleste have been forced to wait to book their ticket to the North American showpiece event which will be hosted by Mexico, Canada and the U.S.

Paraguay 2-1 Argentina 

Lionel Messi and his teammates remain three points clear of Colombia in the standings but that gap could close if Los Cafeteros beat Uruguay and pull level. Lautaro Martinez’s opener looked to be setting Lionel Scaloni’s side on their way in Asuncion but it was canceled out in spectacular fashion by Paraguay’s Antonio Sanabria with Omar Alderete getting a second half winner for a famous Albirroja win. The result has significant impact regarding the playoff spot as it basically dictates that it is now between Venezuela and Bolivia for that potential berth.

Venezuela 1-1 Brazil

It was only marginally better for Brazil in Maturin with Raphinha’s opener for the Selecao canceled out by Vinotinto substitute Telasco Segovia. Things got worse as the second half continued with Vinicius Junior failing to convert a second half penalty before late home replacement Alexander Gonzalez was sent off inside of nine minutes at the end of the game to ensure that it did not finish 11 vs. 11 at Estadio Monumental. The result boosts the Brazilians up to third but Dorival Junior’s men will only stay there if Colombia beat Uruguay which in turn would stretch the gap between Brazil and the Cafeteros — as well as Argentina — to five points.

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💰 The Back Line

💵 Best Bet

• WCQs: Uruguay vs. Colombia, Friday, 7 p.m. ET
  💰 THE PICK: Draw and both to score (+380) — South American FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers are where it is at in international soccer right now with CONMEBOL keeping the drama coming with Argentina’s loss to Paraguay. This game is big given that it is fourth hosting second with a win for La Celeste taking them into the top three and level with Los Cafeteros and a Colombian success pulling them level with Lionel Messi and his world champion teammates. Marcelo Bielsa’s side are unpredictable but can be a formidable opponent while Colombia are now regarded as one of the region’s strongest sides. With the Uruguayans also facing Brazil away this November international period, this is arguably the game to win so expect a tight encounter with both sides scoring.

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