Barranquilla: Colombia continued its unbeaten start to the CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification campaign with a 2-1 win over Argentina in Barranquilla on Tuesday.
Los Cafeteros avenged their Copa America 2024 final defeat earlier this summer, with goals from captain James Rodriguez and Yerson Mosquera making the difference.
Argentina, the top-ranked team globally, conceded at the 25-minute mark when Rodriguez connected with Mosquera at the far post following a swift exchange with Jhon Arias after a corner.
La Albiceleste equalized shortly into the second half when Rodriguez’s errant pass was intercepted by Nico Gonzalez, who then dashed past the defence and slipped the ball between the goalkeeper’s legs.
Twelve minutes later, Daniel Munoz was fouled in the penalty area, and although the on-field referee did not initially award the foul, VAR stepped in to grant the hosts a penalty.
Captain Rodriguez confidently converted the penalty into the top right corner, regaining the lead for the hosts against the world and continental champions.
Colombia had several opportunities to extend their lead, including a shot by Jhon Duran, which, after a pass from the left, was weak and directly at his club teammate Emiliano Martinez.
The victory propelled Colombia to second place in the standings with 16 points from eight matches, trailing the leader Argentina by two points. Colombia will next visit Bolivia, while Lionel Scaloni’s squad is set to play against Venezuela on foreign soil.
