FIFA World Cup qualifier: Argentina falls to Columbia, ends unbeaten run

Argentina lost 2-1 to Colombia in Matchday 8 of the 2026 CONMEBOL Qualifiers in Barranquilla.

James Rodriquez’s winner secured the victory for Nestor Lorenzo’s team, moving them to second position, two points behind Argentina.

Rodriquez had quite a rollercoaster game with Colombia against Argentina. After assisting Mosquera for the opener, the veteran midfielder made a costly mistake that resulted in Nicolas Gonzalez’s equalizer. He redeemed himself with the winning goal, courtesy of a penalty kick.

The game started with Argentina having the first chance. Julian Alvarez snatched the ball from goalkeeper Camilo Vargas but could not find the back of the net.

Columbia dominated after and got the first goal of the game. Yerson Mosquera opened the scoring for Colombia with a close-range header, following a Rodriquez corner kick in the 25th minute.

However, the former Real Madrid midfielder made a poor pass in midfield, leading to Argentina’s equaliser. His pass was intercepted by Nico Gonzalez, who capitalised on the error and shot past Vargas.

Columbia got their winner as they were awarded a penalty after Nicolas Otamendi fouled Daniel Munoz in the box. The Rayo Vallecano new signing redeemed himself as he converted from the penalty spot to put Columbia ahead.

Colombia continued its unbeaten start to the CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification campaign. They remained the only undefeated team in the CONMEBOL Qualifiers, winning four games and drawing four.

Prior to the loss, Argentina were on a 12-game unbeaten streak since November 2023, winning eleven and drawing one.

La Albiceleste played the game with the major absence of captain and star player Lionel Messi. Messi is still recovering from the ankle injury he sustained in the final of the Copa America 2024, precisely against Colombia.