LatAm at the World Cup: Where the Region’s Teams Stand
Latin America · World Cup
Key Facts
- Uruguay stumbled. A late Maxi Araujo goal rescued a 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia on Monday in Miami.
- Argentina open tonight. The title holders face Algeria in Kansas City, with Messi set for a record sixth World Cup.
- Colombia at the Azteca. The Cafeteros debut against Uzbekistan in Mexico City on Wednesday.
- Brazil are next. After a 1-1 opener with Morocco, the Seleção meet Haiti on Friday.
- Watch it free. Fan zones and bars across Rio, São Paulo and the host cities screen every match.
LatAm at the World Cup moves into a defining week: Uruguay have already dropped points, Argentina begin their title defense tonight, and Colombia head to the Estadio Azteca on Wednesday. Here is where the region’s teams stand, what comes next, and how to watch.
The region’s week at a glance
Seven Latin American sides are in action across the week, from Uruguay’s opener to Brazil’s second match. Here is the run of fixtures before the detail.
| Team | Match | When | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uruguay | 1-1 Saudi Arabia (played) | Mon Jun 15 | Miami |
| Argentina | v Algeria | Tue Jun 16, 9pm ET | Kansas City |
| Colombia | v Uzbekistan | Wed Jun 17 | Azteca, Mexico City |
| Mexico | v Korea Republic | Thu Jun 18 | Guadalajara |
| Brazil | v Haiti | Fri Jun 19 | Philadelphia |
| Paraguay | v Türkiye | Fri Jun 19 | — |
| Ecuador | v Curaçao | Sat Jun 20 | Kansas City |
Uruguay’s stumble
Uruguay were the first South American giants to drop points, held to a 1-1 draw by Saudi Arabia in Miami. They went behind before the break and needed a late Maxi Araujo strike to rescue it, leaving coach Marcelo Bielsa with selection questions before Sunday’s match against Cape Verde.
It echoed Brazil’s stuttering 1-1 opener against Morocco — a reminder that the region’s heavyweights have started cautiously rather than convincingly.
Argentina open tonight
The reigning champions begin against Algeria in Kansas City this evening, with Lionel Messi set to feature at a record sixth World Cup. A comfortable start would steady nerves after the draws around them.
Argentina sit in a group with Algeria, Austria and Jordan, and will be among the favourites the rest of the region measures itself against over the next month.
Colombia head to the Azteca
Colombia make their debut against Uzbekistan on Wednesday at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City — one of the tournament’s grand stages. For fans in the Colombian community across the region, it is the week’s marquee night.
There is a local wrinkle worth knowing: the Azteca sits in a city where teachers are holding a downtown protest camp, so anyone heading to the centre on match day should leave extra time.
Brazil and the rest
Brazil look to convert their opening draw into a first win against Haiti on Friday, while Paraguay face Türkiye the same day and Ecuador meet Curaçao on Saturday. Mexico, the co-host, play Korea Republic in Guadalajara on Thursday.
By the weekend, every Latin American side will have played at least twice, and the group pictures — and the knockout math — will start to take shape.
Where to watch
You do not need a ticket to feel the tournament. Rio’s free Arena Copacabana fan zone screens matches on the beach, and bars and parks across São Paulo and the Mexican host cities show every game.
For the regional debuts, expect a crowd wherever a national team is playing — arrive early, and check our where-to-watch guide for the best screens in São Paulo and Rio.
More: Latin America news in English, every day from The Rio Times.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Uruguay do?
They drew 1-1 with Saudi Arabia on Monday, equalising late through Maxi Araujo after falling behind. They play Cape Verde next on June 21.
When does Argentina play?
Tonight, Tuesday June 16, against Algeria in Kansas City at 9pm Eastern, with Messi set for a record sixth World Cup.
Where does Colombia play their debut?
At the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, against Uzbekistan, on Wednesday June 17.
When is Brazil’s next match?
Brazil face Haiti on Friday June 19 after a 1-1 draw with Morocco in their opener.
Where can I watch for free?
Fan zones such as Rio’s Arena Copacabana, plus bars and parks across São Paulo and the host cities, screen the matches at no charge.
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error
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