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For all the anticipation surrounding the CONMEBOL teams ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the opening round of matches produced a range of emotions across South America.

Argentina looked every bit the reigning champions, while Colombia announced their intent as genuine contenders. However, other sides from the continent faced frustration and disappointment in their opening fixtures.

Brazil and Uruguay struggled to find rhythm, Ecuador paid the price for missed chances, and Paraguay endured a difficult night.

Paraguay, who had a decent qualifying campaign, began their tournament in the worst possible fashion. After starting positively and trying to press the USA early, they were undone within minutes. Damián Bobadilla’s own goal in the opening ten minutes brought back memories of Carlos Gamarra’s own goal against England at the 2006 World Cup.

It was a tough outing for Bobadilla and the entire Paraguayan side. The front pairing of Antonio Sanabria and Julio Enciso failed to make an impact, and the team’s two-striker setup never really clicked. Creative players like Miguel Almirón and Diego Gómez also struggled to influence the game, leaving Paraguay blunt in attack.

Enciso was arguably their liveliest forward, but even he found it hard to shine. Much of Paraguay’s trouble was down to the brilliance of the United States. Christian Pulisic and Sergiño Dest constantly outplayed Juan Cáceres and Junior Alonso on the flanks, while Folarin Balogun, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, and Malik Tillman’s movement caused chaos through the middle.

With wing-backs Alex Freeman and Antonee Robinson maintaining width, Paraguay’s narrow defensive shape was easily exploited. The Americans led 3-0 at half-time, and it could have been worse.

Paraguay improved marginally in the second half, aided by Pulisic’s substitution at the break. Substitute Mauricio scored in the 73rd minute from an Enciso assist, but the goal was merely consolation. Giovanni Reyna’s stoppage-time strike sealed a 4-1 thrashing for the USA.

Paraguay must improve drastically against Turkey in their next match. Switching to a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 could help unlock their attacking potential. Matías Galarza and Isidro Pitta are expected to replace Bobadilla and Sanabria, with Pitta offering a strong physical presence up front. Galarza, currently at Atlanta United on loan from River Plate, could add more creativity from midfield.

Elsewhere, Brazil’s clash with Morocco was among the more entertaining contests, ending in a 1-1 draw. Brazil lined up in a 4-2-3-1, with Igor Thiago leading the line in a move that didn’t quite pay off. Their performance resembled some of Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid sides—perhaps not dominant throughout, but resilient enough to secure a result.

Morocco took the lead through a fine goal from Ismael Saibari, but Brazil’s talisman Vinícius Júnior equalised just 11 minutes later. The second half was quieter, with Morocco managing one shot on target compared to Brazil’s three. Overall, a draw was a fair outcome, and Brazil will look to be more incisive in their next match against Haiti.

Haiti, despite losing their opener to Scotland, exceeded expectations and could pose a challenge. The encounter might turn into a high-scoring affair, given Brazil’s defensive vulnerabilities in recent matches.

Ecuador, meanwhile, suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Ivory Coast, echoing their struggles from the previous World Cup where they dominated games but lacked a cutting edge. Despite controlling the first half and hitting the woodwork twice through John Yeboah and Alan Minda, Ecuador couldn’t find the net. Their fans turned the stadium into a sea of yellow, making it feel more like Quito or Guayaquil than Philadelphia.

The loss ended Ecuador’s impressive 19-match unbeaten run, with Wilfried Singo’s 90th-minute strike sealing their fate. They will now aim for a quick recovery against Curaçao, who were heavily beaten by Germany.

Uruguay’s 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia added to growing concerns about Marcelo Bielsa’s leadership, as the team extended their winless streak to five matches. Abdullah Al Ammari’s opener forced Uruguay to chase the game, and without playmaker Giorgian de Arrascaeta, they lacked creative spark. Winger Maximiliano Araújo was their standout performer, eventually scoring the equaliser in the 80th minute.

Uruguay dominated the second half, recording eight shots on target from 22 attempts and 75% possession but couldn’t find a winner. Bielsa’s halftime substitutions of Darwin Núñez and Matías Viña for Agustín Canobbio and Juan Sanabria changed the team’s energy, as they pressed higher and attacked with intensity.

With Spain and Cape Verde playing out a goalless draw in the same group, Group H remains wide open. Uruguay’s upcoming clash with Spain could prove decisive, with both sides desperate for a win. Bielsa is unlikely to take a conservative approach and will likely push his side to attack relentlessly.

Defending champions Argentina entered the tournament in relaxed form after their recent Copa América and 2022 World Cup triumphs. They played with confidence, flair, and precision, completely outclassing Algeria. The only scare came when Farès Chaïbi’s goal was disallowed early on, but from then, Lionel Scaloni’s men dominated.

Every player looked composed, with Lisandro Martínez and Cristian Romero forming a solid defensive pairing. Yet, it was Lionel Messi who stole the show. His brilliant hat-trick made him the oldest player to achieve that feat at a World Cup, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s record from 2018. Messi’s movement, vision, and finishing were vintage—he seemed unstoppable.

Messi now sits just one goal shy of Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record, and few would doubt he deserves to break it. Argentina next face Austria, and if they replicate their display against Algeria, another victory seems inevitable.

Colombia rounded off South America’s first round of fixtures with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan. An early goal from Daniel Muñoz, set up by Luis Díaz, gave them the lead. Although Abbosbek Fayzullaev equalised unexpectedly, Díaz restored the advantage before Jaminton Campaz sealed the result deep into stoppage time.

Colombia’s performance was full of flair, with Díaz, Jhon Arias, and James Rodríguez orchestrating their attacks. Their fans filled the stands in Mexico, turning the venue into a vibrant sea of yellow. The win placed Colombia atop Group K after Portugal’s draw with DR Congo. They now face DR Congo next, in what promises to be another festive occasion for their passionate supporters.