CHM-2026: Sensations in the draw, a battle for leadership, and an updated standings table

The next round of qualifying for the World Cup in 2026 has confirmed the main intrigue of the qualifying process: the path to the championship will not be smooth for either the giants or the underdogs. The matchday has brought about tactical changes, unexpected developments, and a clear indication of who will qualify for the finals.

**Key results of the round:**
• Argentina easily defeated Uruguay 2-0, thanks to a strong performance in the midfield and the precise finishing skills of Lautaro Martinez. Scalloni proved that championship spirit doesn’t fade even in away games.
• Brazil missed a chance to win against Colombia 1-1. A missed goal in extra time deprived the “Sellesao” of a clear lead, but it gave them a tactical advantage for the next match.
• Japan defeated Australia 3-0 in the Asian zone, demonstrating their ability to press hard and be effective on the flanks. Asian football continues to set new standards.
• In the European zone, Germany and France didn’t suffer losses. However, Spain unexpectedly tied with Croatia 2-2, keeping the suspense alive in the group stage.

**Standings of the qualifying groups:**
• South America: Argentina (10 points), Brazil (8 points), Colombia (7 points)
• North America: Mexico (9 points), USA (8 points), Canada (7 points)
• Europe (key groups): Germany (12 points), France (11 points), Spain (9 points), Croatia (8 points)
• Asia: Japan (13 points), South Korea (10 points), Iran (9 points), Australia (6 points)

**Tactical trend:**
The trend is to focus on a compact midfield, quick transitions from defense to attack, and strict control of the areas of play. Teams that rely on static defense without depth will inevitably lose points. The decisive matches in the qualifying process are crucial. Every mistake now costs more, and a well-coordinated team is essential for survival in the competition.

Who will remain at the top, and who will have to fight through the tie-breakers, will be determined in the next matchday. But it’s already clear that the World Cup in 2026 will be one of the most unpredictable and tactical tournaments in history.