The Bolivia national team pulled off one of the biggest shocks of the South American Qualifiers by beating Brazil 1-0 at 4,150 meters of altitude in El Alto, a result that secured seventh place in the table and with it, a spot in the intercontinental playoff for the 2026 World Cup. With this triumph, La Verde eliminated Venezuela and kept alive the dream of returning to a World Cup after more than three decades.

Miguel Terceros, the unexpected hero

The key moment came in first-half stoppage time, when Miguel Terceros converted a penalty that proved enough to seal the win. That goal ignited euphoria in the stadium and was a direct blow to the Seleção, who failed to respond in the second half despite their greater technical resources.

Bolivia’s defensive discipline was crucial to holding on to the result at altitude, a historically difficult setting for opponents. With this victory, Bolivia finished with 20 points, overtaking Venezuela, who were thrashed by Colombia and lost their chance to reach the playoff.

Brazil falters down the stretch

The setback in El Alto left Brazil in fifth place with 28 points, tied with Colombia (third), Uruguay (fourth), and Paraguay (sixth), but with a performance well below expectations. The defeat highlighted the Seleção’s struggles in this qualifying phase, where, despite having a star-studded squad, they failed to impose their superiority in decisive matches.

Meanwhile, Bolivia celebrated in style after posting a 37% success rate throughout qualifying, which now gives them the chance to compete in March’s intercontinental playoff. There, they will face teams from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and Concacaf in pursuit of one of the final tickets to the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

La Verde now clings to the hope of writing a new historic chapter, while Brazil must regroup to recover the solidity needed to regain its continental dominance.