Bolivia Clinches Playoff Position While Venezuela Falls Short

Bolivia achieved a significant 1-0 victory against Brazil in El Alto, earning a spot in the intercontinental playoff for the 2026 World Cup. This win brought Óscar Villegas’ team to 17 points, allowing them to surpass Venezuela, which faced elimination after losing 6-3 to Colombia in Maturín.

The turning point came just before halftime when referee Cristian Garay awarded a penalty for a foul on Roberto Fernández. Miguel Terceros successfully converted the penalty with a left-footed shot, just getting past goalkeeper Alisson. In the second half, Bolivia faced considerable pressure but managed to hold on for a victory that keeps their World Cup hopes alive.

Meanwhile, Venezuela lost grip on their chances despite taking an early lead. Goals from Telasco Segovia, Josef Martínez, and Salomón Rondón were insufficient, as Colombia, led by Luis Suárez’s impressive four-goal performance, secured a 6-3 victory, ending Venezuela’s qualifying journey.

As a result of these matches, Bolivia moves on to the intercontinental playoff set for March 2026. FIFA’s format consists of six teams: one from South America, two from Concacaf, and one each from Africa, Asia, and Oceania. The four lowest-ranked teams will compete in semifinals, with the winners advancing to face the two top-ranked teams. The two winners of those finals will secure the last World Cup spots for the expanded 48-team tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

La Verde now aims to replicate its 1994 achievement, when it reached its only World Cup, also hosted in the U.S.