- Argentina secured early qualification.
- Venezuela dreams of its first World Cup.
The first matchdays of the South American Qualifiers in 2025 were played: Argentina won twice and secured a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
Ecuador earned 4 points and moved into second place, while Venezuela is in the playoff position.
Matchday 13
- Paraguay 1-0 Chile (March 20, Asunción): a solid victory for Gustavo Alfaro's team to continue their progress in the Qualifiers. Alderete scored the only goal of the match.
- Brazil 2-1 Colombia (March 20, Brasília): an epic victory for the Canarinha against a direct rival on the road to qualification. Raphinha opened the scoring, Luis Díaz equalized, and in stoppage time, Vinícius Júnior secured the win for Dorival Júnior’s team.
- Peru 3-1 Bolivia (March 20, Lima): a crucial win for La Blanquirroja. Andy Polo, the legendary Paolo Guerrero, and Edison Flores scored for the home team, while Miguel Terceros got a consolation goal for Bolivia.
- Ecuador 2-1 Venezuela (March 21, Quito): a vital win for La Tri, thanks to two goals from Enner Valencia, moving them into second place in the standings. Jhonder Cádiz scored for Venezuela in stoppage time.
- Uruguay 0-1 Argentina (March 21, Montevideo): La Albiceleste secured a key victory that put them on the verge of qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Thiago Almada scored the only goal of the match.
Matchday 14
- Bolivia 0-0 Uruguay (March 25, El Alto): La Verde couldn't make their home advantage count at high altitude and dropped to eighth place. Despite failing to win in this double matchday, Bielsa's team remains well-positioned for qualification.
- Colombia 2-2 Paraguay (March 25, Barranquilla): in less than 15 minutes, Lorenzo’s team was already leading 2-0 thanks to goals from Luis Díaz and Durán, but the visitors fought back and equalized through Junior Alonso and Julio Enciso.
- Venezuela 1-0 Peru (March 25, Maturín): La Vinotinto secured a massive victory thanks to their historic striker Salomón Rondón and dreams of playing in its first-ever World Cup, now holding the playoff spot.
- Argentina 4-1 Brazil (March 25, Buenos Aires): La Albiceleste put on a spectacular performance against one of their historic rivals, thrashing them with goals from Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, and Giuliano Simeone. Matheus Cunha scored Brazil’s only goal.
- Chile 0-0 Ecuador (March 25, Santiago): a draw that benefits the visitors more, as they hold onto second place and edge closer to the World Cup.
When do the Qualifiers resume?
There are four matchdays left in the Qualifiers. The next double matchday will be in June.
How many teams qualify for the World Cup?
CONMEBOL has six direct spots for the 2026 World Cup, while the seventh-placed team will play a playoff.
Standings
Argentina: 31 points (goal difference +18) *
Ecuador: 23 points (goal difference +8)
Uruguay: 21 points (goal difference +7)
Brazil: 21 points (goal difference +4)
Paraguay: 21 points (goal difference +2)
Colombia: 20 points (goal difference +4)
Venezuela: 15 points (goal difference -4)
Bolivia: 14 points (goal difference -16)
Peru: 10 points (goal difference -11)
Chile: 10 points (goal difference -12)
*Qualified for the World Cup.
