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South America is known to be the home of some of the finest football players in history – Pele, Maradona, Ronaldo, Messi, Varela, Roberto Carlos, Ronaldinho, Francescoli, Romario and so many more! Here we will be outlining the most important information and news from the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup to be held in Qatar.

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    The CONMEBOL is the footballing association for the South American continent and has 10 member associations. These are Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.

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    Each country’s national team will compete in a round-robin qualifying league with home and away matches. This ensures each team will play 18 matches, with fixtures pre-set depending on the team position in a draw, which takes place before any matches are played.

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    After all matches are played, the countries in the top 4 places will qualify for the FIFA World Cup group stage. The country placing 5th will advance to an intercontinental playoff, where they will face a team from the AFC (Asia), CONCACAF (North America) or OFC (Oceania), depending on the playoff draw. The playoff will consist of a home and away match with the winner, decided via the aggregate score, making it through to the FIFA World Cup.

PosCountryPlayedWon-Draw-LossGoal DifferencePoints
#1Brazil1512-3-0+1928
#2Argentina1510-5-0+1222
#3Ecuador167-4-5+716
#4Uruguay166-4-6016
#5Peru166-3-7015
#6Chile165-4-7-412
#7Colombia163-8-5-811
#8Bolivia164-3-9-310
#9Paraguay162-7-7-129
#10Venezuela163-1-12-117
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    To the surprise of absolutely no one, CONMEBOL giants Brazil and Argentina have already secured qualification for Qatar 2022. Brazil will be aiming to win their sixth World Cup crown before manager Tite leaves his post, while Copa America holders Argentina have one last shot at gifting Lionel Messi the ultimate prize in football, one that he richly deserves. This is perhaps the most balanced and cohesive La Albiceleste outfit of the 21st century, and they should certainly be considered as one of the favourites to go all the way later this year. Both sides have gone unbeaten in qualifying through 15 games.

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    Regarding the remaining two automatic qualification spots, five sides are in contention: Ecuador, Uruguay, Peru, Chile and Colombia.

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    Ecuador are in a brilliant position to qualify automatically, despite only mustering a pair of draws in their two most recent outings. That being said, one was a valuable point against group leaders Brazil. Since falling to a surprise 2-1 defeat in Venezuela last October, Ecuador have enjoyed a five-game unbeaten run, leaving them in third spot with 25 points from 16 games. Their victory over Chile last November was massive to their qualification bid, with the Chileans flagging down in sixth.

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    Alexis Sanchez’s Chile just about have a shot of automatic qualification, but they’ll likely be vying for fifth place and an intercontinental play-off spot. A 3-2 victory over Bolivia during the last international break breathed fresh life into their campaign ahead of two difficult bouts against Brazil and Uruguay. The latter currently sit in the final automatic qualification spot, having racked up 22 points. Their recent wins over Paraguay and Venezuela has handed them the advantage over Peru, Chile and Colombia.

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    It’s been a miserable qualifying campaign for 2014 World Cup quarter-finalists Colombia. They’ve won just three of their 16 matches thus far, yet they remarkably still have a shot of qualification heading into the final two matchdays. Colombia have two favourable matches to conclude and they could end their 18 games with 23 points, which might be enough. However, they’ll need several results to go their way.

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    At the very bottom of the table, Bolivia, Paraguay and Venezuela have been eliminated from contention. None of these sides have been abysmal, however, with bottom of the pile Venezuela winning three games on their way to a ten-point haul. Bolivia stunned Uruguay last November, winning 3-0, while Paraguay held Argentina to a stalemate last October. Overall, the CONMEBOL qualifiers have been competitive throughout.

In view of this, be sure to check out our top recommended football betting sites to prepare for the upcoming World Cup Qualifying matches to be played.

Round 17 – 24th – 25th March 2022

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    Paraguay vs Ecuador – 24th March at TBD

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    Colombia vs Bolivia – 24th March at 23:30 (UK Time)

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    Brazil vs Chile – 24th March at 23:30 (UK Time)

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    Uruguay vs Peru – 24th March at 23:30 (UK Time)

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    Argentina vs Venezuela – 25th March at 23:30 (UK Time)

Round 18 – 30th March 2022

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    Peru vs Paraguay – 30th March at 00:30 (UK Time)

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    Ecuador vs Argentina – 30th March at 00:30 (UK Time)

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    Chile vs Uruguay – 30th March at 00:30 (UK Time)

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    Bolivia vs Brazil – 30th March at 00:30 (UK Time)

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    Venezuela vs Colombia – 30th March at 00:30 (UK Time)

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    Chile and Colombia have left themselves with all to do on the final two matchdays if they’re to secure passage into this year’s World Cup. While Colombia should be expected to pick off both Bolivia and Venezuela in their final two games, that likely won’t be enough. Thus, we expect the recent 2014 quarter-finalists to miss out with Bolivia, Paraguay, and Venezuela.

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    That leaves Ecuador, Uruguay, Peru and Chile fighting for three spots – two being automatic qualification and the other being a place in the intercontinental playoff.

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    Ecuador should get the point they need away in Paraguay on Matchday 17 to see them qualify automatically. Uruguay and Peru, meanwhile, face off in a huge clash that’ll go a long way to determining the final standings of the CONMEBOL qualification table. In that one-off encounter, we'd back the home side, Uruguay, to get the job done. Their tenacious midfield combined with the veteran quality they possess up top should see them home on the big night.

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    However, Peru should bounce back at home to Paraguay on Matchday 18 to qualify for the intercontinental playoff in fifth, behind Uruguay in fourth and Ecuador in third.

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    Chile’s tough finale (away at Brazil, home to Uruguay) could culminate in a pair of frustrating draws, which means Colombia may usurp them in the standings.

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    At the top, Brazil and Argentina will face off once more following the controversial postponement of their first scheduled fixture in qualifying. Any wise punter knows that’ll end in a stalemate, leaving Brazil as the likely group winners with Lionel Scaloni’s side finishing in second.

FIFA World Rankings

CountryFIFA World Rankings*
Brazil#2
Argentina#4
Uruguay#16
Colombia#19
Peru#22
Chile#26
Ecuador#44
Paraguay#50
Venezuela#58
Bolivia#76

*FIFA rankings are subject to change

Players to Watch Out for During CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers

Neymar Jr

The Brazilian superstar has registered a combined 15 goals and assists in qualifying, which leads the way by some distance. He is a showman, and one of the sports remaining entertainers. His creativity and top-notch dribbling skills have made him a difficult player to defend against, even for the very best. He averages the highest number of successful dribbles per 90 minutes during the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers (six).

Lionel Messi

There was no way we could leave this legend out. After basically carrying La Albiceleste to a Copa America victory last summer, Messi has been ever-present in the World Cup qualifiers thus far, and is the second-leading scorer for the team with six strikes. This is the final quest for La Pulga to lift the World Cup, which means that all of his upcoming encounters for Argentina are a must-watch.

Marcelo Moreno

As the Bolivian captain, he may not be one of the most popular players in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers, however, he has got ten goals to his name – something no one else has at the time of writing. The 34-year-old player, who played for the Brazilian under-18 and under-20 sides, has chosen to represent the national team of Bolivia (his mother is Bolivian). He is one of those pure target men who always stands a chance of finding a goal if presented with the opportunity.

Giovani Lo Celso

The current Villarreal star has had some great performances, which surely caught theattention of Lionel Scaloni. The Argentine coach has deployed Lo Celso down both wings, to great results. He has managed to supply his teammates five assists and has emerged as a creative force for the national team after struggling to settle at Tottenham. The compatriot of Lo Celso, and former Spurs teammate, Cristian Romero has established himself as one of the most exciting young defenders in Europe, and he will certainly be key in the quest for Argentina to achieve World Cup glory later this year.

Juan Cuadrado

The experienced Colombian, known for his crossing skills and samba silk, has been supporting his national team with consistent levels of performance up and down the right flank. His work rate is nothing short of exceptional as he continues to threaten opposition defence with dribbles, which will get him into good spots from which he can cross the ball in for a shot on goal. He has been a valuable veteran member of Juventus over the past couple of years, where he is impressed in both defence and midfield.

Alexis Sanchez

Despite not getting as many starts for Inter as he wishes, Alexis Sanchez is always ready whenever Chile needs him. He has played 13 games in qualifying thus far, scoring five times and adding three assists which leads the Chilean ranks. The positional fluidity he offers when it comes to playing as a wide attacker in a 4-3-3, a striker in a 4-4-2 or an attacking midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-1-2 is something that coach Rivera likes. His influence on the team is important, and he has also been designated captain more than once. When Arturo Vidal, Gary Medel and Alexis are on the pitch at the same time, the fighting spirit of this team reaches peaks, and there is just no limit to the relentlessness of Chile then.

Federico Valverde

Playing in the middle of the field, he is known for his incredible work rate and is responsible for a great number of tackles and interceptions, which normally result in changes in possession in the favour of Uruguay. To back up this claim, Valverde currently holds the medal for the most interceptions (28). His compatriot, Rodrigo Bentancur, leads the way for tackles won (25) and the pair combine to make up a dogged Uruguayan midfield. Bentancur is another to keep an eye on. After struggling as the regista of Andrea Pirlo last season, Bentancur has enjoyed a bright start to life at Tottenham under the studious eye of Antonio Conte.

Brazil is the only team in the CONMEBOL to have always qualified for the FIFA World Cup. On the other hand, Venezuela is the only team to have never qualified for the FIFA World Cup yet. Unfortunately for the Venezuelans, it seems like they will not be in the 2022 one either. The below table shows the number of times each national team has managed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup group stages.

CountryNumber of times qualified before 2022
Brazil21
Argentina17
Uruguay13
Chile9
Paraguay8
Colombia6
Peru5
Ecuador3
Bolivia3
Venezuela0

Bite-Sized CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup Qualifying Facts

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    In 2018, Peru qualified for the group stage for the first time since 1982.

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    Paraguay failed to qualify for the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups after qualifying for 4 consecutive times.

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    Bolivia last qualified for the FIFA World Cup in 1994, and before that was in 1950.

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    Ecuador qualified for their first ever FIFA World Cup in 2002.

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    Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Colombia are the 4 countries to have successfully qualified for the past 2 FIFA World Cups.

Current Top Goalscorers in the Qualifiers

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    10 goals – Marcelo Moreno (BOL)

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    7 goals – Neymar Jr (BRA), Luis Suarez (URU), Lautaro Martinez (ARG)

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    6 goals – Michael Estrada (ECU), Lionel Messi (ARG)

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    5 goals – Alexis Sanchez (CHI), Christian Cueva (PER)

Historic Records of South America

  • Most goals in a CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup Qualifier – 5 by Ivan Zamorano (CHI) vs Venezuela in April, 1997*

  • Biggest win in a CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup Qualifier – Brazil 8 – 0 Bolivia in July, 1977*

  • Highest-scoring CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup Qualifier – Chile 7 – 2 Colombia in August, 1965*

  • Country with the most victories in CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup Qualification – Argentina with 84 wins*

  • Country with the most defeats in CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup Qualification – Venezuela with 102 defeats*

  • Country with the most goals in CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup Qualification – Brazil with 272 goals*

  • Top 5 players with the most goals in CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup Qualifying Matches

PlayerNumber of Goals*
Lionel Messi (ARG)27
Luis Suarez (URU)25
Hernan Crespo (ARG)19
Marcelo Salas (CHI)18
Edinson Cavani (URU), Ivan Zamorano (CHI)17

*Records are subject to change.

So far, the FIFA World Cup has always been won by a UEFA or CONMEBOL country. If we bring out our football history books, we can see that there have been 3 different CONMEBOL countries who have managed to win the World Cup. The FIFA World Cup has been held 21 times, with the 2022 World Cup in Qatar set to be the 22nd one.

12 of the previous editions were won by countries forming part of the European Association (UEFA), while the remaining 9 were won by CONMEBOL countries. The national teams which managed the prestigious feat are:

  1. Brazil – 5 times – 2002, 1994, 1970, 1962, 1958

  2. Argentina – 2 times – 1986, 1978

  3. Uruguay – 2 times – 1950, 1930

In September 2021, the CONMEBOL and UEFA agreed to organise a series of matches between the winners of the European Championship (organised by UEFA) and the Copa America (organised by CONMEBOL).

The first match is to take place some time in June 2022 between Italy (the winners of EURO 2020) and Argentina (the winners of Copa America 2021). The exact date in June and venue are still to be confirmed. The match will essentially be a friendly, yet something football fans from all over the world will surely be eager to see, especially since the 2022 World Cup will be just a few months away.

Is This Match Important?

Despite not being an important one from a competitive point of view, this match is very important politically speaking, since it outlines a working relationship between UEFA and CONMEBOL. FIFA was recently considering organising a World Cup every two years, but UEFA and CONMEBOL have both openly opposed the idea. The agreement for this very match is an important message from the two powerful associations in itself.

Football is the most followed sport in South America, with the passion which local fans have for the beautiful game unparalleled. This motivates the players who, in turn, give everything they’ve got on the pitch during hard-fought matches. The atmosphere during any of these matches is normally electrifying. All the best online betting sites UK and punters alike simply love these kinds of games, so expect loads of betting offers and boosted odds, especially towards the end of the qualification process.

The game will end after 90 minutes and each national team will receive one point.

Since 2006, Brazil have managed to end the qualification league in first place each time they participated. In 2014, they were exempt from the qualification process since they qualified automatically for the World Cup as hosts of the tournament.

There are 10 teams participating. Four teams will qualify automatically.

The CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying matches end on 29th March 2022, so the 4 teams automatically qualifying will be confirmed then. The team finishing 5th will take part in an international playoff and will qualify for the World Cup, depending on the outcome of the playoff.

These would be Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.

These are Mexico, USA, Panama, Canada, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras and Jamaica.

The exact date has not been announced yet, but the match is planned to take place some time in June 2022.

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WRITTEN BY David Camilleri View all posts by David Camilleri

David is a sports fanatic with a particular interest in stats and figures. When not writing about sports, you would probably find him playing or watching football, researching stats or sharing the latest news with anyone willing to listen.

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