CONMEBOL 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification (South America)

[criptoevangelista]

At least I got to see the Brazilian national team win the World Cup twice live (on TV, of course), in 1994 and 2002. I don’t know about you, but I believe many people here on the forum didn’t witness that.

I was doing the math and some research, if the Brazilian team doesn't win the 2026 World Cup, it will surpass the previous record for the longest title drought, which was 24 years (1970–1994; 2002–2026). That would mean almost three decades without winning the trophy. I think that’s also a big reason why the fans have abandoned the team… there’s no hype, no major achievements, etc. Kids and teenagers today don’t even know what it’s like to see Brazil as world champions.

I also watched the 1994 and 2002 World Cups 
I have great memories, and people who aren't Brazilian have no idea what a World Cup is like here in our country, where practically everyone closes their shops, there are no classes, everyone goes to watch the games with family and friends...

Today it seems that the players don't have that notion, they play very well for their clubs, but when it's their turn to play for Brazil, something is missing, the will is missing and the fans no longer identify with these players
There are few today who have that ability
That's why we criticize the national team so much

Now all we can do is wait and hope that Ancellotti finds a good team to make Brazil play well again
At least a World Cup semi-final would be a good thing under the circumstances.

That’s so cool, we’re practically from the same generation. Do you remember how fun it was to paint the sidewalks and streets with the crests and colors of the World Cup teams? I remember my street would be fully decorated with paintings, little green and yellow flags... it was amazing. It’s a shame that all that spirit has faded over time. Those were good times, something the younger generations will never truly experience.

[Pumared]

At least I got to see the Brazilian national team win the World Cup twice live (on TV, of course), in 1994 and 2002. I don’t know about you, but I believe many people here on the forum didn’t witness that.

I was doing the math and some research, if the Brazilian team doesn't win the 2026 World Cup, it will surpass the previous record for the longest title drought, which was 24 years (1970–1994; 2002–2026). That would mean almost three decades without winning the trophy. I think that’s also a big reason why the fans have abandoned the team… there’s no hype, no major achievements, etc. Kids and teenagers today don’t even know what it’s like to see Brazil as world champions.

I also watched the 1994 and 2002 World Cups 
I have great memories, and people who aren't Brazilian have no idea what a World Cup is like here in our country, where practically everyone closes their shops, there are no classes, everyone goes to watch the games with family and friends...

Today it seems that the players don't have that notion, they play very well for their clubs, but when it's their turn to play for Brazil, something is missing, the will is missing and the fans no longer identify with these players
There are few today who have that ability
That's why we criticize the national team so much

Now all we can do is wait and hope that Ancellotti finds a good team to make Brazil play well again
At least a World Cup semi-final would be a good thing under the circumstances.

That’s so cool, we’re practically from the same generation. Do you remember how fun it was to paint the sidewalks and streets with the crests and colors of the World Cup teams? I remember my street would be fully decorated with paintings, little green and yellow flags... it was amazing. It’s a shame that all that spirit has faded over time. Those were good times, something the younger generations will never truly experience.

This is something that happens to me too. In fact, during the last World Cup we did this tradition by covering the entire street with little flags made from bags. It is something very special and brings back many good memories. It really is a great way to go back in time to when the team played with passion and really won matches.

[LUCKMCFLY]

I would swap any player for Richarlison. He's been in a terrible phase for a few years now. But all the coaches still believe in him, I don't understand. But he gets nervous when he gets the ball, that's because of the time he went without scoring goals.

Yes, I thought I was the only one who realized that when he receives the ball he gets nervous and makes mistakes, everything goes wrong , he has even made mistakes, the truth is I am a person who admires Brazilian football because for me it is the best technique in the world, in fact since I was little I wanted to be a footballer but I wanted to learn the Brazilian technique, unfortunately I couldn't, I think Ancelotti will make him regain that lost confidence in the Brazilian players.

[death69]

I would swap any player for Richarlison. He's been in a terrible phase for a few years now. But all the coaches still believe in him, I don't understand. But he gets nervous when he gets the ball, that's because of the time he went without scoring goals.

Yes, I thought I was the only one who realized that when he receives the ball he gets nervous and makes mistakes, everything goes wrong , he has even made mistakes, the truth is I am a person who admires Brazilian football because for me it is the best technique in the world, in fact since I was little I wanted to be a footballer but I wanted to learn the Brazilian technique, unfortunately I couldn't, I think Ancelotti will make him regain that lost confidence in the Brazilian players.

Mate, you are certainly not the only one feeling the nerves. It is written all over the face of Richarlison when he is on the pitch, given after this long goal drought. About the coaches, you are right. Ancelotti is betting on more than stats or results. He is not using Richarlison as a short-term solution. This is also about relationships. Ancelotti made Richarlison a "phenomenon" at Everton since he treated him more like a son than a player. He is now attempting to replicate that play with Brazil. Is it logical on the outside? Not really. Yet, considering all the injuries and mental health struggles Richarlison has been through (therapy literally “saved his life”), it becomes clear why a manager with a bit of empathy and patience would keep him. Had this been 2014, the guy would have been Fred-style thrown under the bus, scapegoated and forgotten. Football is changing, whether it is good or bad. Keep the skepticism, but see what happens when Ancelotti is able to bring the guy back with his quiet leadership. He is betting on the man, not the moment.

[Pumared]

I would swap any player for Richarlison. He's been in a terrible phase for a few years now. But all the coaches still believe in him, I don't understand. But he gets nervous when he gets the ball, that's because of the time he went without scoring goals.

Yes, I thought I was the only one who realized that when he receives the ball he gets nervous and makes mistakes, everything goes wrong , he has even made mistakes, the truth is I am a person who admires Brazilian football because for me it is the best technique in the world, in fact since I was little I wanted to be a footballer but I wanted to learn the Brazilian technique, unfortunately I couldn't, I think Ancelotti will make him regain that lost confidence in the Brazilian players.

Mate, you are certainly not the only one feeling the nerves. It is written all over the face of Richarlison when he is on the pitch, given after this long goal drought. About the coaches, you are right. Ancelotti is betting on more than stats or results. He is not using Richarlison as a short-term solution. This is also about relationships. Ancelotti made Richarlison a "phenomenon" at Everton since he treated him more like a son than a player. He is now attempting to replicate that play with Brazil. Is it logical on the outside? Not really. Yet, considering all the injuries and mental health struggles Richarlison has been through (therapy literally “saved his life”), it becomes clear why a manager with a bit of empathy and patience would keep him. Had this been 2014, the guy would have been Fred-style thrown under the bus, scapegoated and forgotten. Football is changing, whether it is good or bad. Keep the skepticism, but see what happens when Ancelotti is able to bring the guy back with his quiet leadership. He is betting on the man, not the moment.

But in my opinion, he needs to look at other options before Richarlison. Because he may be investing in a player who will probably never return to his peak. He has to be decisive and he is not being, so morale drops a lot with him on the field.

[LUCKMCFLY]

Mate, you are certainly not the only one feeling the nerves. It is written all over the face of Richarlison when he is on the pitch, given after this long goal drought. About the coaches, you are right. Ancelotti is betting on more than stats or results. He is not using Richarlison as a short-term solution. This is also about relationships. Ancelotti made Richarlison a "phenomenon" at Everton since he treated him more like a son than a player. He is now attempting to replicate that play with Brazil. Is it logical on the outside? Not really. Yet, considering all the injuries and mental health struggles Richarlison has been through (therapy literally “saved his life”), it becomes clear why a manager with a bit of empathy and patience would keep him. Had this been 2014, the guy would have been Fred-style thrown under the bus, scapegoated and forgotten. Football is changing, whether it is good or bad. Keep the skepticism, but see what happens when Ancelotti is able to bring the guy back with his quiet leadership. He is betting on the man, not the moment.

Well, one of the things I like most about Ancelotti is that he is a great person and his players see him as a father, and achieving that empathy seems to me to be the most valuable thing I think that is the reason why they love him so much, and I think what he is doing with Richarlisson is good, Everyone deserves a second chance, Sometimes life's adversities keep us away from things of success The important thing is to get going Brazil has already recovered and is in the World Cup What remains is a lot of work.

[Slow death]

Mate, you are certainly not the only one feeling the nerves. It is written all over the face of Richarlison when he is on the pitch, given after this long goal drought. About the coaches, you are right. Ancelotti is betting on more than stats or results. He is not using Richarlison as a short-term solution. This is also about relationships. Ancelotti made Richarlison a "phenomenon" at Everton since he treated him more like a son than a player. He is now attempting to replicate that play with Brazil. Is it logical on the outside? Not really. Yet, considering all the injuries and mental health struggles Richarlison has been through (therapy literally “saved his life”), it becomes clear why a manager with a bit of empathy and patience would keep him. Had this been 2014, the guy would have been Fred-style thrown under the bus, scapegoated and forgotten. Football is changing, whether it is good or bad. Keep the skepticism, but see what happens when Ancelotti is able to bring the guy back with his quiet leadership. He is betting on the man, not the moment.

Well, one of the things I like most about Ancelotti is that he is a great person and his players see him as a father, and achieving that empathy seems to me to be the most valuable thing I think that is the reason why they love him so much, and I think what he is doing with Richarlisson is good, Everyone deserves a second chance, Sometimes life's adversities keep us away from things of success The important thing is to get going Brazil has already recovered and is in the World Cup What remains is a lot of work.

Improving the attack of the Brazilian national team will be a very difficult task, so I hope the coach decides to do some experiments in the next games, because since Brazil is already qualified, then he can afford to lose. I don't know who he will call for the next games, but the options

seem limited to me, maybe he will call many players from the Brazilian league. There is still a long time until Brazil's next game, if I'm not mistaken it will be in September against Chile, which is the worst team in this group.



I find it hard to believe that Chile finished in last place, I don't see them improving their position, they no longer have a chance of qualifying

[imamusma]

I find it hard to believe that Chile finished in last place, I don't see them improving their position, they no longer have a chance of qualifying

Chile and Peru are already guaranteed to fail to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, even if they win their next two games. Mathematically, Bolivia and Venezuela still have a chance to finish in the top six, which guarantees direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup. Chile will face Brazil and Uruguay in their next games, with the only motivation left is to make things difficult for their opponents.
I don't think Brazil will waste a good chance to score a lot of goals in the match against Chile, because it can increase their chances of finishing as runnersup.

[Pumared]

Mate, you are certainly not the only one feeling the nerves. It is written all over the face of Richarlison when he is on the pitch, given after this long goal drought. About the coaches, you are right. Ancelotti is betting on more than stats or results. He is not using Richarlison as a short-term solution. This is also about relationships. Ancelotti made Richarlison a "phenomenon" at Everton since he treated him more like a son than a player. He is now attempting to replicate that play with Brazil. Is it logical on the outside? Not really. Yet, considering all the injuries and mental health struggles Richarlison has been through (therapy literally “saved his life”), it becomes clear why a manager with a bit of empathy and patience would keep him. Had this been 2014, the guy would have been Fred-style thrown under the bus, scapegoated and forgotten. Football is changing, whether it is good or bad. Keep the skepticism, but see what happens when Ancelotti is able to bring the guy back with his quiet leadership. He is betting on the man, not the moment.

Well, one of the things I like most about Ancelotti is that he is a great person and his players see him as a father, and achieving that empathy seems to me to be the most valuable thing I think that is the reason why they love him so much, and I think what he is doing with Richarlisson is good, Everyone deserves a second chance, Sometimes life's adversities keep us away from things of success The important thing is to get going Brazil has already recovered and is in the World Cup What remains is a lot of work.

Improving the attack of the Brazilian national team will be a very difficult task, so I hope the coach decides to do some experiments in the next games, because since Brazil is already qualified, then he can afford to lose. I don't know who he will call for the next games, but the options

He will definitely test this. And I believe the focus will be on replacing Richarlison. I believe it makes no sense for him to continue with all the nervousness and goal-scoring crisis he is going through. So there will be a lot of training focused on this.

[LUCKMCFLY]

But in my opinion, he needs to look at other options before Richarlison. Because he may be investing in a player who will probably never return to his peak. He has to be decisive and he is not being, so morale drops a lot with him on the field.

I think Ancelotti should be aware of all these things, because he should receive all this type of criticism from other sources, however only he knows and has the authority to decide, he already said that he needs Ney, that he prepares very well and that he recovers so that he can take him to the World Cup and that he is in his plans, so it seems that Carletto is not missing anything and is not leaving anything to chance, with Ney many things can change.

[Pumared]

But in my opinion, he needs to look at other options before Richarlison. Because he may be investing in a player who will probably never return to his peak. He has to be decisive and he is not being, so morale drops a lot with him on the field.

I think Ancelotti should be aware of all these things, because he should receive all this type of criticism from other sources, however only he knows and has the authority to decide, he already said that he needs Ney, that he prepares very well and that he recovers so that he can take him to the World Cup and that he is in his plans, so it seems that Carletto is not missing anything and is not leaving anything to chance, with Ney many things can change.

I hope he's not relying solely on Neymar, given the ocean of good players. Neymar stopped being a household name a long time ago; he's more of a minor celebrity than a great soccer player. Currently, he's living in the past, while Messi and CR7 are active and performing at their peak. Relying on Neymar for anything is repeating mistakes.

[rdluffy]

I hope he's not relying solely on Neymar, given the ocean of good players. Neymar stopped being a household name a long time ago; he's more of a minor celebrity than a great soccer player. Currently, he's living in the past, while Messi and CR7 are active and performing at their peak. Relying on Neymar for anything is repeating mistakes.

It is impressive that in July 2025, with one year to go before the World Cup, we are much more likely to see Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo compete once again, aged 39 and 41 respectively, than Neymar playing for Brazil at the age of 34 

I have the impression that Ancelotti will have less patience with Neymar than the other coaches who have had him so far
If he doesn't show that he is ready to play, I believe he may be ruled out early on so that the team can move forward
A great player who has recently emerged is João Pedro from Chelsea, who scored three goals in the semi-final and final of the Club World Cup. The player is 23 years old, and I have the impression that he may be called up for the last two qualifying matches next september

[famososMuertos]

:://::::
I have the impression that Ancelotti will have less patience with Neymar than the other coaches who have had him so far
If he doesn't show that he is ready to play, I believe he may be ruled out early on so that the team can move forward
A great player who has recently emerged is João Pedro(*) from Chelsea, who scored three goals in the semi-final and final of the Club World Cup. The player is 23 years old, and I have the impression that he may be called up for the last two qualifying matches next september

Man, it's the complete opposite. Ancelotti is Vinicius's "father" and he's there so that under his tutelage, the magic of a "special" call-up can be achieved due to his potential magnifying glass for choosing a team with a winning mentality. On the other hand, Neymar is no longer an influential piece in the Brazilian national team, but, as I mentioned, Ancelotti is very likely to call him up due to his vision... and allow him to "lead" Brazil again, even from the bench.

^{(*)Brazil, as always, has so much to choose from that it goes on the list of possible squads.}

[snipie]

:://::::
I have the impression that Ancelotti will have less patience with Neymar than the other coaches who have had him so far
If he doesn't show that he is ready to play, I believe he may be ruled out early on so that the team can move forward
A great player who has recently emerged is João Pedro(*) from Chelsea, who scored three goals in the semi-final and final of the Club World Cup. The player is 23 years old, and I have the impression that he may be called up for the last two qualifying matches next september

Man, it's the complete opposite. Ancelotti is Vinicius's "father" and he's there so that under his tutelage, the magic of a "special" call-up can be achieved due to his potential magnifying glass for choosing a team with a winning mentality. On the other hand, Neymar is no longer an influential piece in the Brazilian national team, but, as I mentioned, Ancelotti is very likely to call him up due to his vision... and allow him to "lead" Brazil again, even from the bench.

^{(*)Brazil, as always, has so much to choose from that it goes on the list of possible squads.}

Neymar age is 33 years right now and he didn't play a whole game for months. His physical condition isn't at its best and he wasn't helpful at all for Al-Hilal in Saudi Pro League which regretted buying him. Now in Santos, he is trying to recover what he missed and he might improve and force Ancelotti to consider him. Otherwise Ancelotti will sacrifice him rather than letting everyone critics him if the Brazilian national team didn't return to its form.
For Vinicius Junior, Ancelotti know him very well and he will keep him in the main squad.

[criptoevangelista]

:://::::
I have the impression that Ancelotti will have less patience with Neymar than the other coaches who have had him so far
If he doesn't show that he is ready to play, I believe he may be ruled out early on so that the team can move forward
A great player who has recently emerged is João Pedro(*) from Chelsea, who scored three goals in the semi-final and final of the Club World Cup. The player is 23 years old, and I have the impression that he may be called up for the last two qualifying matches next september

Man, it's the complete opposite. Ancelotti is Vinicius's "father" and he's there so that under his tutelage, the magic of a "special" call-up can be achieved due to his potential magnifying glass for choosing a team with a winning mentality. On the other hand, Neymar is no longer an influential piece in the Brazilian national team, but, as I mentioned, Ancelotti is very likely to call him up due to his vision... and allow him to "lead" Brazil again, even from the bench.

^{(*)Brazil, as always, has so much to choose from that it goes on the list of possible squads.}

Neymar age is 33 years right now and he didn't play a whole game for months. His physical condition isn't at its best and he wasn't helpful at all for Al-Hilal in Saudi Pro League which regretted buying him. Now in Santos, he is trying to recover what he missed and he might improve and force Ancelotti to consider him. Otherwise Ancelotti will sacrifice him rather than letting everyone critics him if the Brazilian national team didn't return to its form.
For Vinicius Junior, Ancelotti know him very well and he will keep him in the main squad.

In Neymar’s last match, against Flamengo, he completely changed his positioning, playing further away from the goal and taking on a playmaking role, a classic number 10. I think he’s starting to reinvent himself, much like Ronaldo Nazario did years ago. Neymar’s injuries have taken a toll on his physical strength, explosiveness, and speed… and at 33 years old, it was more than time for him to decide to change his role in order to stay competitive and perform at a high professional level. As a true number 10, he easily fits into the Brazilian national team. But as a winger, like he used to play, I don’t think he has the physical condition anymore to play without getting injured.

[Pumared]

I hope he's not relying solely on Neymar, given the ocean of good players. Neymar stopped being a household name a long time ago; he's more of a minor celebrity than a great soccer player. Currently, he's living in the past, while Messi and CR7 are active and performing at their peak. Relying on Neymar for anything is repeating mistakes.

It is impressive that in July 2025, with one year to go before the World Cup, we are much more likely to see Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo compete once again, aged 39 and 41 respectively, than Neymar playing for Brazil at the age of 34 

I have the impression that Ancelotti will have less patience with Neymar than the other coaches who have had him so far
If he doesn't show that he is ready to play, I believe he may be ruled out early on so that the team can move forward
A great player who has recently emerged is João Pedro from Chelsea, who scored three goals in the semi-final and final of the Club World Cup. The player is 23 years old, and I have the impression that he may be called up for the last two qualifying matches next september

I agree that Ancelotti won't have patience, precisely because of the number of players better than Neymar. I don't remember the exact number, but the coach's team would monitor around 70 players. So there's no reason to prioritize someone who isn't at a high level.

[AirtelBuzz]

In Neymar’s last match, against Flamengo, he completely changed his positioning, playing further away from the goal and taking on a playmaking role, a classic number 10. I think he’s starting to reinvent himself, much like Ronaldo Nazario did years ago. Neymar’s injuries have taken a toll on his physical strength, explosiveness, and speed… and at 33 years old, it was more than time for him to decide to change his role in order to stay competitive and perform at a high professional level. As a true number 10, he easily fits into the Brazilian national team. But as a winger, like he used to play, I don’t think he has the physical condition anymore to play without getting injured.

Maybe the most important thing about this match was that Neymar played the full 90 minutes, even then this player was able to contribute in both attack and defense. Despite Flamengo being a much better team tactically, Neymar showed great explosiveness against this team and was able to score a goal in that match that was the winning indicator. I believe that maybe through this match he will be able to prepare physically well and fully again. Moreover he was the hero of the dramatic victory in this match because he was able to score a goal in the final stages and his team was able to win on that basis.

[LUCKMCFLY]

I find it hard to believe that Chile finished in last place, I don't see them improving their position, they no longer have a chance of qualifying

Chile was left far behind, they blamed Tigre Gareca who is a very famous coach, but Chile has had very good players but as a team they are no longer functioning because their replacement generation is not very good quality, the Chileans have to find a way to improve that part, therefore the rest of the result, they had a great generation when they won the Copa América, but the players they still have and who are on the national team are not at the level.

[imamusma]

I find it hard to believe that Chile finished in last place, I don't see them improving their position, they no longer have a chance of qualifying

Chile was left far behind, they blamed Tigre Gareca who is a very famous coach, but Chile has had very good players but as a team they are no longer functioning because their replacement generation is not very good quality, the Chileans have to find a way to improve that part, therefore the rest of the result, they had a great generation when they won the Copa América, but the players they still have and who are on the national team are not at the level.

2015 and 2016 were Chile best years, winning the Copa America and Copa America Centenario trophies. Since then, Chile performance has continued to decline, and most recently, they have failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, having only collected 10 points from 16 matches. The remaining two matches can be considered mere formalities, lacking any real motivation to win. Chile appears to be running out of its golden generation, with Vidal and Alexis Sanchez now too old to be relied upon.

[snipie]

2015 and 2016 were Chile best years, winning the Copa America and Copa America Centenario trophies. Since then, Chile performance has continued to decline, and most recently, they have failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, having only collected 10 points from 16 matches. The remaining two matches can be considered mere formalities, lacking any real motivation to win. Chile appears to be running out of its golden generation, with Vidal and Alexis Sanchez now too old to be relied upon.

Chile is too weak comparing to the other South American nations and even if they participated in any other group like CAF, AFC or other qualifiers, they wouldn't perform any better.
As you said, their golden days have passed and they failed to have good talents like the ones you mentioned.
Even in the past, the best they can did was being third in the Word Cup like half century ago and winning Copa America a decade ago. There is a lot to do to rebuild a national team, not only having a good coach.
Yesterday their female team faced Argentina. One goal difference isn't bad.