Football/ Argentina edges past Peru in World Cup 2026 Qualifiers

World Cup champions Argentina secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Peru in Tuesday night’s CONMEBOL World Cup 2026 qualifying match at La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires. Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez proved to be the difference-maker, scoring his 32nd international goal with a spectacular volley off a Lionel Messi cross in the 55th minute.

Despite dominating possession in the first half, the Albiceleste struggled to break through Peru’s defensive setup, heading into halftime with a scoreless draw. Coach Lionel Scaloni’s attacking trio of Messi, Martinez, and Julian Alvarez eventually found their rhythm in the second half, leading to the decisive goal.

The victory extends Argentina’s lead at the top of the South American qualifying table, now sitting five points clear of their nearest competitors.

For Peru, the defeat adds to their qualifying campaign struggles, having managed just one win in twelve matches and remaining at the bottom of the standings.

In other CONMEBOL matches, Brazil and Uruguay played to a draw, while Ecuador surprised Colombia, and Chile defeated Venezuela.