Argentina sole South American quarter‑finalist at 2026 World Cup

At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, all CONMEBOL representatives except Argentina were eliminated before the quarter‑final stage. Brazil lost to Norway in the round of 16, Colombia were knocked out on penalties by Switzerland, Paraguay fell to France, Uruguay failed to reach the knockout round and Ecuador exited after losing to Mexico.

Argentina, led by Lionel Scaloni and starring Lionel Messi, advanced to the quarter‑finals where they will face Switzerland at Arrowhead Stadium. Their progression makes the nation the only South American team still in contention for the title, underscoring a broader decline in the competitive depth of South American football at this tournament.