James Rodriguez helped Colombia secure a 2-1 win against Argentina in a South American qualifier for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday. Rodriguez scored the winning goal from the penalty spot in the 60th minute, taking Colombia to second place in the qualifiers with 16 points from eight games. Argentina remain at the top with 18 points.
The penalty came after a VAR review, with Chilean referee Piero Maza awarding it following a challenge by Nicolas Otamendi on Daniel Munoz. Rodriguez’s successful penalty kick avenged Colombia’s 0-1 defeat to Argentina in the Copa America final.
