The World Cup qualifiers for 2026 began in 2023, organized by FIFA. This edition is highly anticipated, as the World Cup will take place in 2026 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the number of participating teams increasing from 32 to 48.
Event Context
Host Countries and Dates
The 2026 World Cup will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This is the first time in World Cup history that three countries are co-hosting the event, scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. This unique arrangement not only showcases the spirit of collaboration among these countries but also allows matches to be held in several iconic cities, including the famous Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, which has hosted World Cup matches in 1970 and 1986.
Increase in the Number of Spots
One of the significant changes in this edition of the World Cup is the increase in the number of participating teams from 32 to 48. This means that more countries will have the opportunity to compete in this global event, directly impacting the structure of the World Cup qualifiers and the qualification chances of the teams. The competition in the qualifiers will be even fiercer, and the inclusion of more teams will increase the diversity and unpredictability of the matches.
Qualifying Structure
In the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, CONMEBOL will have ten teams competing in a round-robin format, with each team playing 18 matches. The top four teams will qualify directly for the World Cup, while the fifth-placed team will have the chance to compete in a playoff to secure the last spot. This format makes every match crucial, as a single loss can seriously impact qualification chances.
Scoring Rules
In each match, a victory awards 3 points, while a draw guarantees 1 point and a loss results in 0 points. Additionally, beyond the basic scoring, goal difference and the number of goals scored are also considered. Therefore, this requires teams to pursue effective offensive performance and maintain solid defense to enhance their competitiveness. Thus, every aspect of the game becomes crucial in the quest for victories.
Final Considerations
The World Cup qualifiers are underway, and expectations are high for the competing teams. Follow the 2026 World Cup qualifying tables and the World Cup qualifying statistics to not miss any details.
Matches Already Played
| Date | Match | Result |
|---|---|---|
| September 7, 2023 | Argentina vs Ecuador | 1 - 0 |
| September 12, 2023 | Brazil vs Paraguay | 5 - 1 |
| October 12, 2023 | Argentina vs Peru | 2 - 0 |
| October 12, 2023 | Brazil vs Uruguay | 0 - 1 |
| November 16, 2023 | Ecuador vs Argentina | 0 - 2 |
| November 21, 2023 | Brazil vs Bolivia | 3 - 0 |
| March 21, 2024 | Paraguay vs Ecuador | 2 - 1 |
| March 26, 2024 | Brazil vs Argentina | 1 - 0 |
| June 15, 2024 | Peru vs Uruguay | 1 - 1 |
| June 20, 2024 | Argentina vs Paraguay | 3 - 0 |
| October 15, 2024 | Colombia vs Uruguay | 0 - 0 |
| October 15, 2024 | Brazil vs Chile | 2 - 0 |
Matches Not Played
| Date | Match |
|---|---|
| November 18, 2024 | Ecuador vs Peru |
| November 21, 2024 | Argentina vs Paraguay |
| March 28, 2025 | Brazil vs Uruguay |
| June 5, 2025 | Chile vs Paraguay |
Current Standings
| Position | Team | Points | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goal Difference | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Argentina | 22 | 7 | 1 | 1 | +14 | Leading the table, stable performance |
| 2 | Colombia | 19 | 6 | 1 | 3 | +8 | Good form, on a streak |
| 3 | Peru | 17 | 5 | 2 | 3 | +6 | Seeking qualification |
| 4 | Brazil | 16 | 4 | 4 | 2 | +4 | Performance improving |
| 5 | Uruguay | 15 | 4 | 3 | 3 | +3 | Needs to improve stability |
| 6 | Chile | 12 | 3 | 3 | 4 | +1 | Seeking a higher qualification |
| 7 | Paraguay | 11 | 3 | 2 | 5 | -1 | Under pressure |
| 8 | Ecuador | 9 | 2 | 3 | 5 | -4 | Unstable form |
| 9 | Bolivia | 7 | 1 | 4 | 5 | -7 | Relegation risk |
| 10 | Venezuela | 6 | 1 | 3 | 6 | -9 | In a tough situation |
Current Dynamics and Perspectives
- Argentina: Maintains strong dominance, with Messi and other stars playing a key role, leading the table.
- Colombia and Peru: Show good competitiveness, both fighting for a spot.
- Brazil: Improving state, but needs to strengthen cohesion and tactical adjustments.
- Uruguay and Chile: Tight competition, both looking to perform well in upcoming matches.
- Bolivia and Venezuela: Facing relegation risks, need changes in the current situation.
These standings and data reflect the intensity of competition in South American football, where each result can be decisive for the final qualification.
Key Matches
In the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, there are several key matches that deserve attention, especially in the CONMEBOL schedule. These matches could impact the final qualification standings.
Completed Key Matches
- Bolivia 1-0 Colombia (October 10, 2024)
In this match, Bolivia defeated Colombia, boosting their confidence in the World Cup qualifiers. - Peru 1-0 Uruguay (October 11, 2024)
Peru's victory put further pressure on Uruguay, affecting their qualification in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. - Colombia 2-0 Chile (October 15, 2024)
Colombia delivered an outstanding performance in this crucial match in the World Cup qualifying standings. - Argentina 3-0 Bolivia (October 15, 2024)
Argentina solidified its lead in the group with a home victory in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. - Brazil 2-1 Peru (October 15, 2024)
Brazil's victory improved their position in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Upcoming Key Matches
- Uruguay vs Colombia (November 14, 2024)
- Brazil vs Uruguay (November 19, 2024)
These matches will have a significant impact on the World Cup qualifying standings and will be crucial for historic teams like Brazil and Uruguay. As the World Cup qualifiers progress, the competition for spots will intensify.
Featured Teams and Key Points
- Argentina
Argentina has stood out in the World Cup qualifiers, especially in matches against strong opponents. Messi's leadership and attacking ability keep the team competitive.
Match Contributions: Against Brazil and Uruguay, Argentina utilized flexible tactics and an effective attack to secure important victories in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. - Brazil
Known for its fast and technical football, Brazil faces recent challenges, but Neymar's return keeps the team strong.
Match Contributions: During the "battle of the century" against Argentina, Brazil showcased its offensive strength and tactics, gaining momentum in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. - Uruguay
A solid defense and Suárez's offensive support ensure Uruguay's presence in the World Cup qualifiers.
Match Contributions: With a victory over Colombia, Uruguay demonstrated tactical discipline and teamwork in the World Cup qualifying standings. - Colombia
Colombia has benefited from James Rodríguez's return and a dynamic attacking system.
Match Contributions: The victory over Chile highlighted their ball control skills and on-field cooperation in the World Cup qualifiers. - Chile
With two Copa América titles in recent years, Chile boasts experienced players like Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sánchez.
Match Contributions: Chile showed midfield control and effective tactics, achieving a 2-0 victory in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. - Peru
Peru's strong performance in the 2018 World Cup brought back international attention.
Match Contributions: Even in a loss to Argentina, Peru demonstrated a vigorous fight, maintaining hope in the World Cup qualifying standings. - Paraguay
Known for its solid defense, Paraguay has shown resilience in tough matches.
Match Contributions: Paraguay secured a 1-1 draw against Uruguay, showcasing strength in the World Cup qualifiers.
These insights highlight the intensity of the World Cup qualifiers in South America, where each game can have a significant impact on final standings.
Featured Players
- Messi (Argentina)Match: Argentina vs. Paraguay
Date: November 16, 2023
Messi scored a magnificent free-kick goal, helping Argentina beat Paraguay 3-1 in the World Cup qualifiers. His goal highlighted his technical skill and decision-making ability in crucial moments. Messi is not just a scorer but also contributes to the team's attack, elevating the performance of his teammates. - Neymar (Brazil)Match: Brazil vs. Ecuador
Date: October 12, 2023
In this match, Neymar scored a spectacular goal and assisted two others, leading Brazil to a 4-0 victory over Ecuador in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Neymar's performance not only showcased his individual talent but also solidified his position as a key player on the team. His dribbling ability and vision brought diversity to Brazil's attack, making the team's performance even more impressive. - Suárez (Uruguay)Match: Uruguay vs. Chile
Date: November 17, 2023
Suárez scored two goals in a decisive match against Chile, helping Uruguay win 2-1. This match was crucial for the team's qualification situation in the World Cup qualifying standings. Suárez's experience and skill were vital in key moments, not only boosting team morale but also adding valuable points in the tight competition.
The goals and assists from Messi, Neymar, and Suárez in decisive matches not only secured victories for their teams but also kept them in the spotlight on the international stage.
Challenges Teams Will Face
During the journey in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, teams will face various challenges. Firstly, injuries are a factor to consider, as the intense match schedule can lead to fatigue and player injuries. Additionally, the compact schedule requires teams to play several matches in a short period, increasing the difficulty in tactical adjustments and fitness management. Weather conditions can also impact athlete performance, especially in games across different regions of South America. For example, variations in temperature and humidity can affect players' adaptation and performance. Moreover, these conditions necessitate that teams prepare adequately to ensure effective performance in any situation.
Fan Expectations
In the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, fan expectations are sky-high. They want to see their teams shine in a fierce competition and secure a spot in the World Cup. For South American fans, matches are not just sporting events, but an expression of cultural identity and national pride.
- Support and Passion Fans expect to witness brilliant performances from their teams, longing for exciting games and intense rivalries. Especially in classics like Argentina vs. Brazil, fans hope their teams will show strength against their opponents. Every goal and victory provokes euphoria and passion among supporters, creating a unique atmosphere during matches.
- Rise of Young Players With many young talents shining in their teams, fans hope to see these stars in action in important competitions. They want these new players to take on responsibilities and, like Messi and Neymar, pave the way for the team's future. The exceptional performance of young players can not only elevate the team's level but also bring hope for the upcoming World Cup.
- Sense of Participation and Unity Fans also wish to participate in the World Cup qualifiers in various ways, whether by watching live matches or supporting their teams on social media. The atmosphere of the events will reinforce bonds among supporters, creating a strong sense of community. This spirit of unity and a common objective can inject more energy into the teams.
The 2026 World Cup qualifiers represent a journey of intense competition among South American teams. The teams battle for a spot in the World Cup, and every match is filled with drama and anticipation. Thus, the intersection of history, fierce competition, and the emergence of new talents will make the upcoming qualifiers a true football celebration. Therefore, more than a preparation for the World Cup, they are a celebration of the brilliance of South American football.
