CONMEBOL 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification (South America)

[Ale88]

I also really like the team's independence without the big names

But what are these big names? Vinicius, who scored 7 goals in 41 appearances? Rodrygo, who barely plays in Madrid? Casemiro, who stopped being a great player since the moment left Real Madrid? Raphinha, who had the season of his life and before he was an average player? I guess right now Vinicius is considered the star but, for example, Neymar at his age was playing at another level, for me there is no comparison.

[rdluffy]

Out of 24 players there are only these 10 who actually play for big teams. I understand that Ancelotti wants to try different solutions and players but, for me, the squad is kind of sad. Ancelotti has a tough job ahead because he must obtain results that, on paper, are beyond this team's possibility because for sure Brazilian people expect Brazil to win the World Cup (as usual) but there are several teams way better than them.

I believe that since qualification is guaranteed, he wants to get to know these players better, since he already knows the others and has worked with them before

Ancelotti even gave an interview (but I only have the link in Brazilian Portuguese: https://ge.globo.com/futebol/futebol-internacional/noticia/2025/08/25/ancelotti-diz-que-convocou-paqueta-para-conhece-lo-melhor-aproveitar-desse-tempo.ghtml) where he said that he called up Lucas Paqueta to get to know him better, since he has never worked with him

This is an indication that he wants to test as many players as possible in these matches, which theoretically are less important for Brazil

I also really like the team's independence without the big names; it creates new leaders within the team and allows them to have more synergy with each other. But obviously, without these key players it will be more difficult, but as he himself said, they are already qualified and can very well try new things.

It may even be in lesser-known teams like this one that potential players emerge who could be VERY good but who were overshadowed by the bigger names that are usually called up

I'm very curious to see João Pedro from Chelsea

[Ale88]

Out of 24 players there are only these 10 who actually play for big teams. I understand that Ancelotti wants to try different solutions and players but, for me, the squad is kind of sad. Ancelotti has a tough job ahead because he must obtain results that, on paper, are beyond this team's possibility because for sure Brazilian people expect Brazil to win the World Cup (as usual) but there are several teams way better than them.

I believe that since qualification is guaranteed, he wants to get to know these players better, since he already knows the others and has worked with them before

Ancelotti even gave an interview (but I only have the link in Brazilian Portuguese: https://ge.globo.com/futebol/futebol-internacional/noticia/2025/08/25/ancelotti-diz-que-convocou-paqueta-para-conhece-lo-melhor-aproveitar-desse-tempo.ghtml) where he said that he called up Lucas Paqueta to get to know him better, since he has never worked with him

This is an indication that he wants to test as many players as possible in these matches, which theoretically are less important for Brazil

I don't speak Portuguese but I can more or less read it and understand it, if I understood properly the article also says the Paquetá has been discharged by the betting accusations which could have has serious repercussions over his career, is it correct?
Anyway I wouldn't say Paquetá is part of the players that Ancelotti has to discover, right now he is one of the best players Brazil have, that's why Ancelotti talks about "get to know him" as a person, not as a footballer.

[rdluffy]

Out of 24 players there are only these 10 who actually play for big teams. I understand that Ancelotti wants to try different solutions and players but, for me, the squad is kind of sad. Ancelotti has a tough job ahead because he must obtain results that, on paper, are beyond this team's possibility because for sure Brazilian people expect Brazil to win the World Cup (as usual) but there are several teams way better than them.

I believe that since qualification is guaranteed, he wants to get to know these players better, since he already knows the others and has worked with them before

Ancelotti even gave an interview (but I only have the link in Brazilian Portuguese: https://ge.globo.com/futebol/futebol-internacional/noticia/2025/08/25/ancelotti-diz-que-convocou-paqueta-para-conhece-lo-melhor-aproveitar-desse-tempo.ghtml) where he said that he called up Lucas Paqueta to get to know him better, since he has never worked with him

This is an indication that he wants to test as many players as possible in these matches, which theoretically are less important for Brazil

I don't speak Portuguese but I can more or less read it and understand it, if I understood properly the article also says the Paquetá has been discharged by the betting accusations which could have has serious repercussions over his career, is it correct?
Anyway I wouldn't say Paquetá is part of the players that Ancelotti has to discover, right now he is one of the best players Brazil have, that's why Ancelotti talks about "get to know him" as a person, not as a footballer.

Yes, Lucas Paquetá was cleared of charges related to sports betting
Ancelotti emphasized that he wants to get to know him better and mentioned that the player can play in different positions, which usually means he can be a trusted player
Let's see what happens

You undertand well Ale88 


The odds for Brazil's game are 1.22 for a win, 6.00 for a draw, and 14.0 for a Chile win 

[Pumared]

I also really like the team's independence without the big names

But what are these big names? Vinicius, who scored 7 goals in 41 appearances? Rodrygo, who barely plays in Madrid? Casemiro, who stopped being a great player since the moment left Real Madrid? Raphinha, who had the season of his life and before he was an average player? I guess right now Vinicius is considered the star but, for example, Neymar at his age was playing at another level, for me there is no comparison.

It's not a matter of numbers, it's a matter of morale. How would you feel playing alongside Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, both at their peak? You'd feel like the best player in the world and do everything you could to help them perform well. The same goes for now, given the right proportions, of course.

[Ale88]

I also really like the team's independence without the big names

But what are these big names? Vinicius, who scored 7 goals in 41 appearances? Rodrygo, who barely plays in Madrid? Casemiro, who stopped being a great player since the moment left Real Madrid? Raphinha, who had the season of his life and before he was an average player? I guess right now Vinicius is considered the star but, for example, Neymar at his age was playing at another level, for me there is no comparison.

It's not a matter of numbers, it's a matter of morale. How would you feel playing alongside Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, both at their peak? You'd feel like the best player in the world and do everything you could to help them perform well. The same goes for now, given the right proportions, of course.

You're right, it's not only about the numbers but, especially, about the players and the men behind the players: Vinicius has zero charisma, he is no leader, he can't be compared in any way to players (and men) like Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, etc. Neymar could still be a leader somehow. Vinicius, no way, he is too self-centered.

[Pumared]

I also really like the team's independence without the big names

But what are these big names? Vinicius, who scored 7 goals in 41 appearances? Rodrygo, who barely plays in Madrid? Casemiro, who stopped being a great player since the moment left Real Madrid? Raphinha, who had the season of his life and before he was an average player? I guess right now Vinicius is considered the star but, for example, Neymar at his age was playing at another level, for me there is no comparison.

It's not a matter of numbers, it's a matter of morale. How would you feel playing alongside Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, both at their peak? You'd feel like the best player in the world and do everything you could to help them perform well. The same goes for now, given the right proportions, of course.

You're right, it's not only about the numbers but, especially, about the players and the men behind the players: Vinicius has zero charisma, he is no leader, he can't be compared in any way to players (and men) like Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, etc. Neymar could still be a leader somehow. Vinicius, no way, he is too self-centered.

Exactly. It's very much about ego and individual awards these days. Before, great Brazilian players gave their best in every match, and awards were a consequence. Vin Jr. isn't a good leader; Neymar is a bit more so.

[Slow death]

I also really like the team's independence without the big names

But what are these big names? Vinicius, who scored 7 goals in 41 appearances? Rodrygo, who barely plays in Madrid? Casemiro, who stopped being a great player since the moment left Real Madrid? Raphinha, who had the season of his life and before he was an average player? I guess right now Vinicius is considered the star but, for example, Neymar at his age was playing at another level, for me there is no comparison.

It's not a matter of numbers, it's a matter of morale. How would you feel playing alongside Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, both at their peak? You'd feel like the best player in the world and do everything you could to help them perform well. The same goes for now, given the right proportions, of course.

You're right, it's not only about the numbers but, especially, about the players and the men behind the players: Vinicius has zero charisma, he is no leader, he can't be compared in any way to players (and men) like Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, etc. Neymar could still be a leader somehow. Vinicius, no way, he is too self-centered.

Many current Brazilian players only play for their good image, money, women, parties, luxury cars and houses, and social media followers to get lots of sponsors. They don't take the Brazilian national team's games very seriously. The saddest part is that when these guys reach 32, they get very old, so old that at 34, they're being sold from big European teams to smaller teams. Others return to play in Brazil. Neymar is a good example of this.

He's much younger than Messi and Ronaldo, but he looks much older physically. The Brazilian national team doesn't have the stars it had years ago. To be honest, I see Ancellote needing to take a lot of Ancelotti's painkillers. I read news that Ancelotti will play with four forwards, this is to see if the weak forward can improve.

[Pumared]

I also really like the team's independence without the big names

But what are these big names? Vinicius, who scored 7 goals in 41 appearances? Rodrygo, who barely plays in Madrid? Casemiro, who stopped being a great player since the moment left Real Madrid? Raphinha, who had the season of his life and before he was an average player? I guess right now Vinicius is considered the star but, for example, Neymar at his age was playing at another level, for me there is no comparison.

It's not a matter of numbers, it's a matter of morale. How would you feel playing alongside Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, both at their peak? You'd feel like the best player in the world and do everything you could to help them perform well. The same goes for now, given the right proportions, of course.

You're right, it's not only about the numbers but, especially, about the players and the men behind the players: Vinicius has zero charisma, he is no leader, he can't be compared in any way to players (and men) like Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, etc. Neymar could still be a leader somehow. Vinicius, no way, he is too self-centered.

Many current Brazilian players only play for their good image, money, women, parties, luxury cars and houses, and social media followers to get lots of sponsors. They don't take the Brazilian national team's games very seriously. The saddest part is that when these guys reach 32, they get very old, so old that at 34, they're being sold from big European teams to smaller teams. Others return to play in Brazil. Neymar is a good example of this.

He's much younger than Messi and Ronaldo, but he looks much older physically. The Brazilian national team doesn't have the stars it had years ago. To be honest, I see Ancellote needing to take a lot of Ancelotti's painkillers. I read news that Ancelotti will play with four forwards, this is to see if the weak forward can improve.

Exactly, you described a good portion of Brazilian players very well. And we can use CR7 as an example; he's old but continues to play at a high level despite the relatively difficult championship he's in. Brazilians return to Brazil precisely to enjoy retirement and not play anymore.

[rdluffy]

There are five qualifying matches today, and these are the odds.

The match between Paraguay and Ecuador looks like it could be a great game
The odds are pretty even, and I would even dare to say that it might be worth betting on Ecuador

Is anyone betting today? If so, share your tips

[Ale88]

Many current Brazilian players only play for their good image, money, women, parties, luxury cars and houses, and social media followers to get lots of sponsors. They don't take the Brazilian national team's games very seriously. The saddest part is that when these guys reach 32, they get very old, so old that at 34, they're being sold from big European teams to smaller teams. Others return to play in Brazil. Neymar is a good example of this.

He's much younger than Messi and Ronaldo, but he looks much older physically. The Brazilian national team doesn't have the stars it had years ago. To be honest, I see Ancellote needing to take a lot of Ancelotti's painkillers. I read news that Ancelotti will play with four forwards, this is to see if the weak forward can improve.

Unfortunately the situation you're describing doesn't apply to Brazil only but also to many other national teams. I think that the problem lays in the fact that in todays' football 20 year old kids make huge amount of money and they think they already made it, there is no further incentive for them besides a huge salary and being popular on social media. In the '00s young players were making way less money and, especially, the had to respect the older players in the dressing room and if you didn't play for the team you were out. Now before they think about themselves and later at the team. We've all been 18-20 years old, at that age we are all stupid, but if you are stupid and you also make 5 million/year you think you are the best in the world.

I see very little attachment to the national teams, back in the days in was every player's dream and now, oftentimes, they find excuses to avoid being called because they prefer to focus on themselves and don't want to waste extra energy. I really don't like the direction football has taken, it totally lost its soul.

[hyudien]

There are five qualifying matches today, and these are the odds.

The match between Paraguay and Ecuador looks like it could be a great game
The odds are pretty even, and I would even dare to say that it might be worth betting on Ecuador

Is anyone betting today? If so, share your tips

I'd like to try placing Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil in a parlay. The odds aren't particularly high, only 2.11, but they're decent and low-risk, as each team will be playing at home. I expect Ancelotti's Brazil to perform well here. Paraguay vs Ecuador is a tough match. Both teams are strong, but considering their recent encounters, I think Paraguay is worth betting on. Oh, and I understand this is the final qualifier, right? So, their match will definitely be close.

[CLS63]

Argentina have guaranteed their lead in the group. The match tonight isn't much important to them as a result. Draw or Venezuela has been given 4.00 odds. They are under a big risk while there are only 2 matches left.

I think it is worth taking the risk on a bet on this option. I know it is still a far possibility on paper. But football isn't always played like that. Maybe this would be one of the moments that surprise the world.

[Pumared]

I had completely forgotten about this game! I only remembered it because of the comments here, thank you very much. But from what I saw in the stats, Brazil wins with +1.5 goals. I believe it will be a calm and controlled game for Brazil. Unless the players can't gel at all, which I think is unlikely.

[Slow death]

There are five qualifying matches today, and these are the odds.

The match between Paraguay and Ecuador looks like it could be a great game
The odds are pretty even, and I would even dare to say that it might be worth betting on Ecuador

Is anyone betting today? If so, share your tips

I'd like to try placing Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil in a parlay. The odds aren't particularly high, only 2.11, but they're decent and low-risk, as each team will be playing at home. I expect Ancelotti's Brazil to perform well here. Paraguay vs Ecuador is a tough match. Both teams are strong, but considering their recent encounters, I think Paraguay is worth betting on. Oh, and I understand this is the final qualifier, right? So, their match will definitely be close.

I also want to bet on the victory of these 3 teams, but first I'm waiting to see what the squad of each of the teams will be that will play so I can have an idea of ​​what all the teams will be like. I don't know if it's true or not, but I read that today could be Messi's last game with the Argentine national team:

𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋: Messi starts for his possible 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 in Argentina with the Selección! ✨🇦🇷

Last dance in white and blue in his country?

https://www.instagram.com/p/DOMhqx1DPq2/

If it really is his last game, then the Argentine national team will play very seriously in this game. At least if that happened, I could make some profit. The squad that will play has not yet been announced. I'm waiting to be able to bet. My biggest concern is Uruguay, in the last 5 games, they have only won one game. They are not trustworthy.

[yenerbatmaz]

The Paraguay-Ecuador match ended 0-0. The home teams won the other four matches by 3-0 scores.

They won comfortably at home in Brazil. Vinicius was unable to play due to injury. With this victory, they increased their points total to 28, and while Ecuador dropped points, they climbed to second place in the league.
Argentina also defeated Venezuela comfortably, with Messi scoring twice.
Argentina maintained their lead with 38 points.

[Oluwa-btc]

I had completely forgotten about this game! I only remembered it because of the comments here, thank you very much. But from what I saw in the stats, Brazil wins with +1.5 goals. I believe it will be a calm and controlled game for Brazil. Unless the players can't gel at all, which I think is unlikely.

Three goals and a clean sheet with the young Estevao getting his debut goal. He brings calm, energy and strength in that Brazilian attack. He is a top player set for the next decade. I'd be lying if I don't see him dominating for both Brazil and Chelsea. This is the kind of players they need to keep for ahead of the FIFA World Cup Competition.

[Sithara007]

The Paraguay-Ecuador match ended 0-0. The home teams won the other four matches by 3-0 scores.

They won comfortably at home in Brazil. Vinicius was unable to play due to injury. With this victory, they increased their points total to 28, and while Ecuador dropped points, they climbed to second place in the league.
Argentina also defeated Venezuela comfortably, with Messi scoring twice.
Argentina maintained their lead with 38 points.

Only one round of matches is remaining and now we have an idea about the 6 teams who will get direct qualification to the FIFA World Cup of 2026: Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Ecuador, Colombia and Paraguay. The race is between Venezuela and Bolivia for the spot in Inter-confederation play-offs. For Venezuela, the chances are higher as their remaining match is against Colombia. For Bolivia, the match is against Brazil and right now they are one point behind Venezuela. Remember that Venezuela is the only CONMEBOL side who have never qualified for the FIFA World Cup. That may change in 2026.

[Slow death]

I had completely forgotten about this game! I only remembered it because of the comments here, thank you very much. But from what I saw in the stats, Brazil wins with +1.5 goals. I believe it will be a calm and controlled game for Brazil. Unless the players can't gel at all, which I think is unlikely.

Three goals and a clean sheet with the young Estevao getting his debut goal. He brings calm, energy and strength in that Brazilian attack. He is a top player set for the next decade. I'd be lying if I don't see him dominating for both Brazil and Chelsea. This is the kind of players they need to keep for ahead of the FIFA World Cup Competition.

I watched the entire game and I must say that I was very pleased with the performance of the Brazilian national team. This time the coach got the squad right. I think that if he keeps the same squad and especially puts in the players who came on after the second half, putting them to play from the start could be a better option. He should forget about Vinicius for now, because I highly doubt that if Vinicius and Rodrygo were playing, they would not have helped the team, on the contrary, they would have harmed the team a lot.


As expected of Messi, he remains a great player no matter what league he plays



The next World Cup could be his last time playing for the Argentine national team. It will undoubtedly be his last World Cup, and it will also be Cristiano Ronaldo's last. It will be the end of an era for two excellent players; the world will never forget them. Unfortunately, there are no new players capable of demonstrating the same skills, fame, and attention that these two great players have.

[asriloni]

They won comfortably at home in Brazil. Vinicius was unable to play due to injury. With this victory, they increased their points total to 28, and while Ecuador dropped points, they climbed to second place in the league.

Sometimes, i'm thinking Brazil could perform better without their superstars. However, i'm not calling them good despite their win against Chile who's kinda shite. Their mid is still awful to watch as they often miss the ball, need some adjustments to make it looks better. The idea to play Joelindon and Bruno is not good. They must comeup with a better mid than Joe and Bruno.

Other than it, their fullbacks are also so shaky with no creativity to build up from the back.