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South America’s Six World Cup Teams Are Set and Bolivia Heads to Playoff
The CONMEBOL Qualifiers on the road to the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico 2026 concluded this Tuesday, determining the six teams that qualified directly and the one team heading to the intercontinental playoff. The final matchday was filled with emotions and farewells, shaping Conmebol’s representation at the global event.
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Argentina, the undisputed leader
With their ticket secured since March, Argentina’s national team ended their journey with a 1-0 loss to Ecuador in Quito. Despite the setback, Lionel Scaloni’s team solidified its position as the best in the region, accumulating 38 points over 18 matches: 12 wins, two draws, and four losses.
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The highlight came from Lionel Messi, who at 38, finished for the first time in his career as the top scorer of the Qualifiers, with eight goals in just four matches: one against Ecuador, two against Peru, three against Bolivia, and two against Venezuela in his official farewell on Argentine soil.
Other Direct Qualifiers
Besides the Albiceleste, Ecuador (29), Colombia (28), Uruguay (28), Brazil (28), and Paraguay (28) secured their direct tickets to the 2026 World Cup, the first in history with 48 teams.
Paraguay bid farewell with a smile by defeating Peru 1-0 in Lima with a spectacular goal from Matías Galarza, leaving the Albirroja with good vibes for the future.
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Uruguay and Chile ended in a goalless draw in Santiago: Marcelo Bielsa’s team was already qualified, while La Roja was already out.
Colombia, with an impressive run, thrashed Venezuela 6-3 in the last match and established themselves as one of the most solid teams in the region.
Brazil, despite their strength, couldn’t finish with a win and face doubts after losing to Bolivia in La Paz.
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Bolivia heading to the playoff
The big surprise was Bolivia, finishing seventh with 20 points and securing the spot for the intercontinental playoff. La Verde defeated Brazil at home in the penultimate match, securing a historic chance to return to the World Cup after more than three decades (their last appearance was in the United States 1994).
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The playoff will take place in March 2026, with the host location still to be confirmed. There will be six teams from different confederations participating: two from Concacaf, one from Asia, one from Africa, one from Oceania, and Bolivia representing Conmebol. The four lowest-ranked teams according to FIFA will play in the semifinals, with the two winners advancing to face the higher-ranked teams in finals that will award the last two tickets to the World Cup. For now, the only confirmed opponent is New Caledonia from Oceania.
Who was eliminated?
Venezuela (18 points), Peru (12), and Chile (11) failed to qualify even for the playoff. For Chile, the two-time Copa América champion in 2015 and 2016, it’s another hard blow after missing the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
Final Standings of South American Qualifiers for 2026
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Argentina – 38 points
Ecuador – 29 points
Colombia – 28 points
Uruguay – 28 points
Brazil – 28 points
Paraguay – 28 pts
Bolivia – 20 pts (playoff)
Venezuela – 18 pts
Peru – 12 pts
Chile – 11 pts
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