At the midpoint of FIFA World Cup qualifiers in South America, it's time to give each team a letter grade from A to F based on their performances so far.

A fourth straight loss in World Cup qualifying for Brazil last week could have meant the beginning of the end for coach Júnior, who took over only in January.

Argentina's superstar Lionel Messi bagged a hat-trick and provided two assists in a dominant 6-0 win over Bolivia in World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday, while Brazil dominated Peru 4-0. Messi opened the scoring for the Albiceleste in the 19th minute at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

Colombia, Uruguay, Brazil and Argentina all face tricky away trips in the next round of South American World Cup 2026 qualifying this week.

World Cup holders Argentina ran riot in a one-way affair against a helpless Bolivia to re-establish their lead at the top of CONMEBOL qualifying, with Lionel Messi stealing the show once again.

Argentina were held to a 1-1 draw by Venezuela on Lionel Messi's return as Brazil got their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign back on track with a last-gasp 2-1 victory over Chile on Thursday.

An 89th-minute goal by substitute Luiz Henrique gave Brazil a 2-1 away win over Chile on Thursday in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match. The win meant under-pressure Brazil coach Dorival Júnior's team will finish the ninth round of the round-robin competition in fourth place in South American qualifying.