As the race for places in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ heats up, Argentina and Colombia remain in pole position at the head of the CONMEBOL qualifiers after the conclusion of matchday five.
The ongoing CONMEBOL Women’s Nations League tournament doubles as the qualifiers for the global showpiece, with the region having two direct berths on offer, alongside another two tickets to the Play-Off Tournament.
FIFA reviews action from the midway point of the competition where all four matches produced a winner, in fixtures played in Cusco, Asuncion, Valparaiso and Cali.
Peru 2-1 Uruguay
Peru goals: Alesia Garcia (33), Sandra Arevalo (71)
Uruguay goal: Pamela Gonzalez (25)
After a comeback win over Uruguay, Peru have vaulted right back into qualification contention. Now sitting on six points, Las Blanquirrojas are firmly in the race. It was Uruguay, however, who struck first in the 25th minute through a Pamela Gonzalez penalty. Peru responded just eight minutes later though, with Alesia Garcia heading home the leveller.
The turning point came just before half-time, when Uruguay’s Carina Felipe was sent off. With a numerical advantage, Peru controlled proceedings and eventually found the winning goal through a brilliant individual Sandra Arevalo effort. In the 71st minute, she drove through the centre, beat a defender and unleashed a dipping strike that clipped the underside of the crossbar before finding the net, to the delight of the Cusco crowd.
Paraguay 2-0 Ecuador
Paraguay goals: Cindy Ramos (32), Camila Arrieta (90+8)
Like Peru, Paraguay secured a win that keeps them right in the qualification frame. Against Ecuador, Cindy Ramos opened the scoring with a clinical angled shot past goalkeeper Liceth Suarez.
Aside from a few isolated Ecuadorian chances, La Albirroja dominated, driven in particular by the constant threat of young star Claudia Martinez. It was therefore no surprise when they added a second late on. After Liceth Suarez conceded a penalty for a foul on Rebeca Fernandez, Camila Arrieta calmly converted to seal the victory.
Chile 0-1 Argentina
Argentina goal: Florencia Bonsegundo (42)
Argentina are determined to reach a third consecutive Women’s World Cup and are backing up that ambition in this qualification campaign. Facing Chile in Valparaiso, La Albiceleste once again claimed all three points thanks to Florencia Bonsegundo’s penalty just before half-time.
The Portugal-based midfielder gave Christiane Endler no chance, placing her shot perfectly into the top corner. In the second half, against an opponent unable to create danger, German Portanova’s side were never truly troubled and secured their third win in four matches.
Colombia 2-1 Venezuela
Colombia goals: Leicy Santos (21), Gisela Robledo (80)
Venezuela goal: Veronica Herrera (10)
Up against another ambitious side, Colombia secured a crucial Cali victory. After falling behind early to Veronica Herrera’s opener, Colombia quickly equalised through Leicy Santos.
The match, balanced and competitive, seemed destined for a draw, but Gisela Robledo had other ideas. In the 79th minute, capitalising on a defensive error, the Corinthians forward used her strength in the box, beat goalkeeper Nayluisa Caceres one-on-one, and coolly slotted home the winner. With 10 points from four matches, Colombia lead the standings alongside Argentina.
Next fixtures (Tuesday 14 April)
Peru (6th) vs Paraguay (5th)
Bolivia (9th) vs Uruguay (8th)
Venezuela (3rd) vs Argentina (1st)
Colombia (2nd) vs Chile (4th)
Standings
Argentina – 10 points
Colombia – 10 points
Venezuela – 8 points
Chile – 7 points
Paraguay – 6 points
Peru – 6 points
Ecuador – 5 points
Uruguay – 2 points
Bolivia – 1 points
