Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez scored in the second half to secure a 1-0 home victory over Peru in South American qualifying for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday.

Martinez scored 10 minutes after the break, capitalizing on a fine cross from Lionel Messi to fire a half-volley into the top right corner.

The Inter Milan striker’s 32nd international goal moved him into a tie with Diego Maradona for fifth place in the country’s all-time goalscoring charts.

The World Cup holders lead the CONMEBOL standings with 25 points, five ahead of Uruguay who play in Brazil later today. Peru are bottom of the 10-team table with seven points after 12 matches.

The top six automatically qualify for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Wasted Colombia loses to 10-man Ecuador, Paraguay draws against Bolivia

Colombia lost 1-0 at home to 10-man Ecuador in South America’s 2026 World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, while Julio Enciso’s late equalizer salvaged a 2-2 draw for Paraguay in Bolivia.

Paraguay, who beat Argentina 2-1 last week, are now unbeaten in six matches and sit sixth with 17 points in the CONMEBOL standings. Bolivia is seventh, four points behind the rankings.

The top six automatically qualify for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, while the seventh-placed team advances to the interconfederation qualifiers.

Ecuador moved to third place with 19 points, while Colombia are fourth on goal difference after their second consecutive defeat.

Ecuador struck in the seventh minute through Enner Valencia after a superb solo run, but the visitors were reduced to 10 men in the 34th minute when Piero Hincapie was sent off for denying Jhon Cordoba a clear chance to score .

Colombia failed to equalize despite 25 attempts on goal, including a Luis Diaz header that hit the post before half-time, while they were also frustrated by a strong performance from Ecuador goalkeeper Hernan Galindez.

Bolivia looked to capitalize on home advantage against Paraguay at 4,150m altitude in El Alto and took the lead after 15 minutes thanks to Ervin Vaca’s first international goal.

The hosts wasted several chances to extend their lead and Miguel Almiron equalized for Paraguay with a first-timer from Enciso’s pass in the 71st minute.

Bolivia took the lead again nine minutes later when Miguel Terceros made no mistake from the penalty spot, but Enciso stopped the home fans’ celebration early in added time with a superb goal from the edge of the box .

Paraguay almost claimed a last-gasp victory, but goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra made a brilliant save to deny Ramon Sosa.