Brazil and Ecuador secured their spots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, advancing with games to spare in South American qualifying, Xinhua reported.
Chile's campaign came to a halt after another underwhelming result, ending its chances of reaching the expanded tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Peru, meanwhile, remains theoretically alive but would need a highly unlikely combination of results to qualify.
In Sao Paulo, Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior scored in the first half as five-time world champion Brazil booked its ticket with a 1-0 victory over Paraguay.
The result marked new manager Carlo Ancelotti's first victory since taking charge late last month and left Brazil third in the South American standings with 25 points, one ahead of fifth-placed Paraguay.
Ecuador progressed despite a goalless draw with Peru in Lima. The visitor was forced to endure a tense finale at Estadio Nacional after midfielder Alan Franco was dismissed for a second yellow card with more than 20 minutes remaining.
The stalemate left El Tri second with 25 points, ahead of Brazil on goal difference. Peru, meanwhile, is ninth and needs to win its last two qualifiers against Uruguay and Paraguay - while relying on other results going its way - to have any chance of claiming a playoff position.
Earlier, Ricardo Gareca resigned as Chile's head coach after the team's 2-0 away loss to Bolivia, a result that dashed the team's flickering World Cup hopes.
Goals from Miguel Terceros and Enzo Monteiro in El Alto handed Chile its 10th defeat of these qualifiers. The Roja sits last in the 10-nation standings and is now mathematically out of reach of a playoff spot.
In Buenos Aires, Thiago Almada struck late as reigning world champion Argentina salvaged a 1-1 home draw against Colombia.
Liverpool forward Luis Diaz gave the visitor the lead against the run of play when he cut inside from the left wing and skipped past three defenders before coolly firing a shot past Emiliano Martinez.
The host was forced to play the last 25 minutes with 10 men after Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez was shown a straight red card for a dangerous challenge on Kevin Castano.
But Lyon midfielder Almada put his side on level terms nine minutes from time by receiving Exequiel Palacios' pass and advancing into the box before drilling a low effort into the far corner.
Reigning World Cup champion Argentina, which is already assured of a berth at football's showpiece tournament next year, remains top of South America's qualifying group with 35 points, 13 ahead of sixth-placed Colombia.
And in Montevideo, Uruguay edged to within a point of sealing its place with a 2-0 victory over Venezuela following goals from Rodrigo Aguirre and Giorgian de Arrascaeta.
