The third date of CONMEBOL qualifying delivered a thrilling 2-2 draw between Colombia and Uruguay in Barranquilla, a match that showcased why this rivalry captures the attention of fans across North America and Europe alike.
Colombia and Uruguay lined up for a high-stakes clash that kept the stadium buzzing from kickoff. The home side, coached by Néstor Lorenzo, opened the scoring with a stunning strike from James Rodríguez, a moment that reminded supporters of the veteran’s quality and the team’s international experience. Yet the balance of the game shifted quickly when Matias Olivera struck, taking advantage of a late set piece and leveling the score. The hosts then pressed with urgency, seeking to restore their lead before halftime but found the Uruguayans organized defensively and difficult to break down.
Early in the second half the action intensified as Matheus Uribe found the back of the net, giving Colombia what appeared to be a deserved edge once more. The home side created chances and pressed forward in waves, testing the Uruguayan keeper and pushing the defense to its limits. Uruguay, never out of the contest, responded with resilience and discipline, equalizing again through Olivera shortly after the restart and keeping the momentum evenly split throughout the period.
With only a few minutes remaining, a misstep in the Colombian defense led to a critical moment. Camilo Vargas could not prevent a penalty after a foul, and the resulting spot kick drew the visitors within touching distance. Darwin Núñez converted confidently, completing the scoring and confirming the 2-2 result that both teams could claim as a hard-fought point in a game filled with momentum swings and tactical intrigue.
Looking ahead, Colombia prepares to visit Ecuador, while Uruguay travels to host Brazil on the upcoming Tuesday, October 17. The South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in North America continue to unfold with plenty at stake for both nations and an eye on the broader standings and regional rivalries that only intensify as the campaign progresses.
South American qualifiers for the North America 2026 World Cup: dates, matches, results and format
Minute by minute Colombia vs. Uruguay from the 2026 South American Qualifiers
The live and instant online summary of Colombia vs. Uruguay from the 2026 South American Qualifiers
- GOAL OF URUGUAY! Darwin Núñez sealed the 2-2 in Barranquilla.
- That was Matheus Uribe’s goal in Barranquilla.
- THE GOAL OF COLOMBIA! The home side retakes the lead, Uribe finishing neatly.
- GOAL OF URUGUAY! One minute into the second half, Olivera equalized.
- Colombia’s 1-0, coming from a well-worked move inside the box.
- THE GOAL OF COLOMBIA! James Rodríguez puts Colombia ahead in Barranquilla.
The result reflects a match that kept both teams in the mix for a strong position in the early stages of the qualifying cycle, with tactical adjustments, individual flashes of quality, and late drama shaping an entertaining fixture. According to Goal, the national teams demonstrated the depth and resilience that make CONMEBOL qualifiers a compelling watch for fans on both sides of the Atlantic.