Colombia defeated South American and reigning World Cup winners Argentina in the eighth round of the 2026 World Cup qualifications in South America, exacting sweet retribution for their loss in the Copa America 2024 final.

Reunited shortly after the historic Copa America final, Colombia was motivated to defeat Argentina in order to settle this ugly “debt.” At the first whistle, the home team immediately launched an attack, backed by the “support” of tens of thousands of people at the Metropolitano Stadium in Barranquilla.

A challenging encounter for Argentina in Barranquilla

But in the eleventh minute, goalie Camilo Vargas fouled Julian Alvarez in the penalty area, giving Argentina the chance to take the lead. Alvarez called for a penalty. Shortly after, Vargas made a great move to block a risky shot from close range by Julian Alvarez.

This is composed of five groups: the mọi người đang chơi bóng đá, the mọi người đang chơi bóng bầu dục và văn bản.

The fans went nuts as the home team scored their first goal in the 25th minute. James Rodriguez at the corner of the goal only completed a one-two with a teammate before crossing the ball to centre-back Yerson Muslimra, who headed it in. Colombia wins 1-0.

Surrounded by Colombian players is Lautaro Martinez.

The home team, with the mobility of James Rodríguez in midfield and Luis Díaz as a constant threat in attack, really suppressed a slow Argentina, without leader Lionel Messi in the squad due to not recovering from injury.

Surprisingly, Argentina performed better in the second half after failing to have a single shot on goal in the first. After Nico Gonzalez capitalised on a mistake made by the home team to finish, the away team equalised in the 48th minute.

Not long after that, Colombia regained the lead from a controversial situation. In the 60th minute, the referee awarded the home team Colombia a penalty after Otamendi fouled Munoz, despite the visitors’ fierce reaction. From 11m away, James Rodriguez easily defeated goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to put Colombia ahead.

Argentina counterattacked but they faced many counterattacks, including a chance that Jhon Duran should have scored but was blocked by Emiliano Martinez. The score of 2-1 was maintained until the end of the match and Argentina suffered their first loss after 13 unbeaten matches.

Argentina “exposed” in Barranquilla

This was also the second defeat of the World Cup champion in the South American World Cup qualifiers. Colombia rose to only 2 points behind Argentina at the top of the region.