That expanded field means Argentina is already well on its way to a World Cup return, but the table is tightening up. Brazil have recovered after a slow start, while Colombia and Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay are dangerous but have had hiccups and Bolivia had won three in a row to thicken the plot in the race for the final

Argentina didn’t miss Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez and other key players as it beat Uruguay away 1-0 in their South American World Cup qualifying match.

Following their narrow 1-0 win against Uruguay, Lionel Messi's Argentina could secure their ticket to the 2026 World Cup with a result against Brazil, provided certain conditions are met.