Frank Christian
Teams in the CONMEBOL region are actively engaged in the qualifying rounds for the 2026 World Cup, with each team playing 18 matches in a round-robin style. This arduous journey is crucial for securing a spot in the prestigious tournament.
Prominent countries like Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil are fighting to maintain their positions at the top, while others like Bolivia, Peru, and Venezuela are striving to improve their standings and compete for qualification or a playoff chance. Every game plays a pivotal role in fulfilling World Cup aspirations.
Understanding the CONMEBOL World Cup 2026 qualification process
The CONMEBOL qualification system for the 2026 FIFA World Cup encompasses all 10 member nations competing against each other in a round-robin setup.
Each team will play a total of 18 matches, one at home and one away against all other teams. Points are allotted based on the match outcomes: three for a win, one for a draw, and none for a loss.
In the 2026 World Cup, the top six teams from the CONMEBOL standings automatically qualify for the tournament, while the seventh-placed team enters an inter-confederation playoff to vie for another qualifying opportunity. The final standings are decided by points, goal difference, and goals scored, making this qualification process one of the most challenging in international football, especially with factors like altitude affecting teams such as Bolivia and Ecuador.
Current standings of CONMEBOL World Cup 2026 qualification
| Rank | Team | Played | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Argentina | 6 | 6 | 15 |
| 2 | Uruguay | 6 | 8 | 13 |
| 3 | Colombia | 6 | 3 | 12 |
| 4 | Venezuela | 6 | 3 | 9 |
| 5 | Ecuador | 6 | 2 | 8 |
| 6 | Brazil | 6 | 1 | 7 |
| 7 | Paraguay | 6 | -2 | 5 |
| 8 | Chile | 6 | -4 | 5 |
| 9 | Bolivia | 6 | -10 | 3 |
| 10 | Peru | 6 | -7 | 2 |
