Colombia edges defending champion Argentina 2-1 in South American World Cup qualifiers

 James Rodríguez scored from the penalty spot to seal Colombia’s 2-1 win over defending champion Argentina on Tuesday in a South American World Cup qualifier.

Injured Argentina star Lionel Messi didn’t play in Barranquilla in what was the first match between the teams since the Copa America final.

Yerson Mosquera opened the scoring in the 25th minute but Argentina equalized in the 48th when Nico Gonzalez capitalized on a defensive blunder from the Colombians. James’ 60th-minute penalty secured the win at the Metropolitano Stadium.

World Cup champion Argentina lifted the Copa America trophy after a 1-0 overtime victory over Colombia in July.

Colombia, which hadn't beaten Argentina since 2019, is still unbeaten in South American World Cup qualifying.

Argentina leads the round-robin competition with 18 points after eight matches, two point clear of Colombia.

Four other matches were taking place on Tuesday: Chile vs. Bolivia, Ecuador vs. Peru, Venezuela vs. Ecuador and Paraguay vs. Brazil.

The top six teams in South American qualifying will get automatic spots at the 2026 World Cup.