Ugarte’s Late Goal Secures Dramatic Uruguay Win Over Colombia

Manuel Ugarte scored a late winner to give Uruguay a thrilling 3-2 victory over Colombia in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Manchester United midfielder netted the decisive goal in the 11th minute of stoppage time, ending Uruguay’s streak of four consecutive qualifiers without a win.

“Victories like today’s are important because they bring a strong sense of unity to everyone involved with the Uruguayan team,” said coach Marcelo Bielsa in a press conference. “We needed to win again, no matter how it happened. It was an incredible match, but more importantly, it was a crucial victory that shows we are on the right track.”

Colombia opened the scoring about 30 minutes into the game with a stunning free kick by attacking midfielder Juan Quintero, which curled past the defensive wall into the net. Uruguay responded with two quick goals early in the second half. Colombian defender Davinson Sánchez accidentally turned a cross into his own net in the 57th minute, and Rodrigo Aguirre put Uruguay ahead with a composed finish moments later.

“I’m incredibly happy,” said an emotional Aguirre, who scored on his international debut at the age of 30. “I still can’t believe what happened. Scoring for my country was an unbelievable feeling.”

In a dramatic finale, Colombia equalized in the sixth minute of stoppage time through substitute Andrés Gómez, with the goal confirmed after a lengthy VAR review. However, Ugarte’s first international goal sealed the victory for Uruguay, who moved to second place in the standings with 19 points, tied with Colombia but ahead on goal difference.

The crowd at Montevideo’s historic Estadio Centenario erupted in celebration as Uruguay avenged their 0-1 loss to Colombia in the Copa América semifinal in July. Argentina remains atop the qualifiers with 22 points despite a 1-2 loss to Paraguay on Thursday.

“It was a balanced, tough match,” said Colombia coach Néstor Lorenzo. “We played well and had control at times, but costly mistakes led to goals. The way we conceded makes you feel frustrated and guilty, but the team recovered to equalize. Losing like this is disappointing.”

Uruguay will next face fourth-place Brazil on Tuesday, while Colombia will host Ecuador.

Elsewhere, Peru and Chile played to a goalless draw in Lima, leaving both teams further adrift of World Cup qualification spots. Peru is ninth with 7 points, one point ahead of last-place Chile. The top six teams in the South American qualifiers advance directly to the World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.