Defending champion Argentina qualifies for 2026 World Cup

Defending champion Argentina qualified for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday when Bolivia failed to beat Uruguay.

Argentina leads South American qualifying and hosts archrival Brazil at the Monumental de Nunez Stadium later Tuesday.

South America has six direct berths in the next World Cup, a 48-team tournament to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Argentina was assured of one of the six spots when seventh-place Bolivia drew 0-0 with Uruguay in El Alto.

Backed by Lionel Messi, three-time World Cup winner Argentina (28 points) has led South American qualifying from the start, with few hiccups and major away wins at Brazil and Uruguay.

But coach Lionel Scaloni has not fielded 37-year-old Messi in several games, which still raises doubts on whether the star will play in the tournament next year.

Reporting by The Associated Press.

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