If you love South American football, the CONMEBOL qualifiers are where the drama starts. Ten nations play each other home‑and‑away, and the top spots earn a place at the World Cup. No playoffs, just straight points.
Every team gets 18 matches – nine at home, nine away. Win = three points, draw = one point, loss = zero. At the end of the round‑robin, the top four automatically go to the World Cup. The fifth‑placed side goes into an inter‑confederation playoff against a team from another region.
Goal difference matters if teams finish level on points, so big wins can be crucial. That’s why you’ll see Brazil or Argentina try to rack up goals against lower‑ranked sides.
Brazil always starts as a favorite. Their squad mixes young talent with experienced stars, and they love to dominate possession.
Argentina is the other powerhouse. Even after big tournaments, they keep a strong attack that can turn any game on its head.
Uruguay may not have the same star power, but their defence and counter‑attack are tough to beat. They’ve qualified for most recent World Cups.
Watch Colombia and Chile too – both can surprise big teams if they hit form at the right moment.
Match dates are spread across the year, usually in March, June, September and October. Keep an eye on your local broadcast schedule or streaming service so you don’t miss a goal.
For fans, the qualifiers offer more than just results. Rivalries flare up, stadium atmospheres get intense, and each point can shift the whole picture. If you’re tracking a specific team, note their upcoming fixtures and whether they are playing at home – that’s where most points are earned.
In short, the CONMEBOL qualifiers are simple: play every opponent twice, collect points, finish in the top four or win the playoff. The excitement comes from the unpredictable nature of South American football – any match can turn into a classic.
