Argentina Defeats Uruguay 1-0, Nears World Cup Qualification

Argentina secured a vital 1-0 victory over Uruguay in Montevideo, inching closer to qualification for the 2026 World Cup thanks to a stunning goal from Thiago Almada. This win leaves Argentina leading the South American qualifying standings with 28 points, just one point away from a direct berth in the tournament, which they can secure with a draw against Brazil on March 25. Despite missing key players like Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martínez, Argentina showcased resilience, holding off a strong Uruguayan squad that struggled to capitalize on its early chances. Uruguay remains in fourth place with 20 points after the loss, while Ecuador is now second following their win against Venezuela. Almada's decisive strike at the 68th minute highlighted Argentina's attacking prowess, even as Uruguay's goalkeeper Sergio Rochet delivered a commendable performance with multiple crucial saves. The match underscores the ongoing rivalry between the two teams, with Argentina continuing to hold the upper hand in recent encounters.