CONMEBOL 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification (South America)

[AirtelBuzz]

Argentina were able to win their World Cup qualifying matches on their home soil but when Ecuador hosted them in this qualifying match, they couldn't play comfortably at all then, even we observed that the team without Messi was defeated. Overall there was no shortage of intensity in this match between them in Guayaquil but even then it was surprising to everyone that Argentina couldn't win against Ecuador without one of their best players, in fact in this match Ecuador's Enner was able to capitalize on their numerical advantage by scoring from the penalty spot. Perhaps another team set a very clever example in this World Cup qualifying match because Bolivia has secured a place in the play-offs after winning against Brazil, I think it could definitely be a special opportunity for them.

[rdluffy]

Argentina were able to win their World Cup qualifying matches on their home soil but when Ecuador hosted them in this qualifying match, they couldn't play comfortably at all then, even we observed that the team without Messi was defeated. Overall there was no shortage of intensity in this match between them in Guayaquil but even then it was surprising to everyone that Argentina couldn't win against Ecuador without one of their best players, in fact in this match Ecuador's Enner was able to capitalize on their numerical advantage by scoring from the penalty spot. Perhaps another team set a very clever example in this World Cup qualifying match because Bolivia has secured a place in the play-offs after winning against Brazil, I think it could definitely be a special opportunity for them.

I would say that Ecuador was the best surprise of the qualifiers
Remembering that the team lost 3 points because of a false document from Byron Castillo in the 2022 World Cup, so the team should have finished with 32 points 

Ecuador was the team with the fewest losses, only 2, while Argentina lost 4 times
It was also the team that conceded the fewest goals, only five in the entire competition
The attack did not perform as well, scoring only 14 goals

With the obvious limitations, the team knew how to work with exactly what it had, and if it continues like this in the World Cup, it has a good chance of doing well

[KTChampions]

I would say that Ecuador was the best surprise of the qualifiers
Remembering that the team lost 3 points because of a false document from Byron Castillo in the 2022 World Cup, so the team should have finished with 32 points 

Ecuador was the team with the fewest losses, only 2, while Argentina lost 4 times
It was also the team that conceded the fewest goals, only five in the entire competition
The attack did not perform as well, scoring only 14 goals

With the obvious limitations, the team knew how to work with exactly what it had, and if it continues like this in the World Cup, it has a good chance of doing well

I agree. I didn't think about it, but 5 goals conceded in 18 games in a group with strong teams is an impressive result that even Italian teams or Simeone can envy 
If we talk about negative surprises, it's Chile. They used to be very high, and now they are in last place. What a fall. To be below Venezuela is strange.
I wonder who Bolivia's opponent will be in the playoffs (with which confederation will there be playoffs? I can't find any information).

[Slow death]

After another defeat of Brazil, the CONMEBOL qualifiers came to an end

I'm glad I didn't bet on that last game, because I realized that Brazil and Argentina wouldn't take that last game very seriously, because since they are qualified and the league games start in a few days, the national coaches wouldn't demand that the players make a lot of physical effort, unlike last week's game in which despite having qualified, the coaches could afford to demand that the players play very seriously.

Bolivia will go to the playoffs, ending Venezuela's dream of going to its first World Cup

I keep wondering if Venezuela were classified, how would Nicolas Maduro watch the game in the US?

[IjawMan]

Argentina were able to win their World Cup qualifying matches on their home soil but when Ecuador hosted them in this qualifying match, they couldn't play comfortably at all then, even we observed that the team without Messi was defeated. Overall there was no shortage of intensity in this match between them in Guayaquil but even then it was surprising to everyone that Argentina couldn't win against Ecuador without one of their best players, in fact in this match Ecuador's Enner was able to capitalize on their numerical advantage by scoring from the penalty spot. Perhaps another team set a very clever example in this World Cup qualifying match because Bolivia has secured a place in the play-offs after winning against Brazil, I think it could definitely be a special opportunity for them.

Argentina has won all the points they needed to qualify for the world cup along side Brazil  making them not involve a lot of seriousness in to their various match which a draw or loss has no effect to their positions in their respective groups. Assuming Argentina has what to fight for in that match, the absence of one player still will not have made them lose to Ecuador.

Any sports betting gambler will attest that when the stronger team has nothing to fight for when playing against a team that needs the point the most , it usually a risk betting in favour of the stronger team still.

[CLS63]

Bolivians must be very happy to gain a chance for the World Cup through playoffs. But their job won't really be easy for sure. Because especially from CAF there will most probably be a really strong team coming.

I wasn't surprised to see Argentina and Brazil both losing. Their direct qualification for the World Cup was already guaranteed. Besides Messi's absence was another thing for Argentina.

[Pumared]

Brazil's defeat was truly surprising. I don't think coach Ancelotti has experienced this kind of match at such a high level in his career. It's truly a different game for them to play at this altitude.

[BITCOIN4X]

Brazil's defeat was truly surprising. I don't think coach Ancelotti has experienced this kind of match at such a high level in his career. It's truly a different game for them to play at this altitude.

I think Bolivia was very lucky, as they benefited from the stadium conditions and a penalty kick. Even though Brazil lost, they have secured a ticket to the upcoming 2026 World Cup, while Bolivia advanced to the playoffs. Ancelotti still praised his team performance and realized that it was not easy to play in that stadium.

Honestly, looking at the squad he chose, Brazil defeat is not surprising. Ancelotti tried to rotate his players and give playing time to the second string players. His experiment failed, but I don't think that's a big deal since Brazil has already qualified. I think with Ancelotti, Brazil will be one of the teams to be reckoned with at the 2026 World Cup.

[boltz]

Bolivians must be very happy to gain a chance for the World Cup through playoffs. But their job won't really be easy for sure. Because especially from CAF there will most probably be a really strong team coming.

I wasn't surprised to see Argentina and Brazil both losing. Their direct qualification for the World Cup was already guaranteed. Besides Messi's absence was another thing for Argentina.

For sure they are happy but was Brazil actually playing football last night ? because I saw none of that even if they played a super high altitude when the air is highly reduced but even so , I saw a team with no direction and they reminded me of last months of Real Madrid under the same command of Ancelotti. 

[Ale88]

Brazil's defeat was truly surprising. I don't think coach Ancelotti has experienced this kind of match at such a high level in his career. It's truly a different game for them to play at this altitude.

Did you check Brazil's line up? Ancelotti was clearly experimenting because many of those players are not usually part of the regular starting eleven. Let's also not forget that playing in Bolivia is always very tricky due to the altitude, I've been there and every slope kills your breath, so try to run for almost 2 hours... And the Bolivians are used to that, the rest of the continent no. I still remember an incredible Bolivia-Argentina 6-1, it was back in April 2009.

[famososMuertos]

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I mentioned it: watch out for Ecuador, they ended up winning. Bolivia, on the other hand, is no surprise. It's tough to play there without prior preparation; the altitude takes its toll, and that's what gets them into the "repechaje".

And Venezuela? Well, they had everything to qualify and still the worst-case scenario happened. Just think about it, I believe they had six favorable situations, and most of all, Bolivia faces Brazil and it doesn't happen... anyway, I guess what I'm saying is, let's be fair; Bolivia deserves the 'award.' As the saying goes: they did their homework.

Anyway... See you here on December 5th 

[₿itcoin]

Argentina were able to win their World Cup qualifying matches on their home soil but when Ecuador hosted them in this qualifying match, they couldn't play comfortably at all then, even we observed that the team without Messi was defeated. Overall there was no shortage of intensity in this match between them in Guayaquil but even then it was surprising to everyone that Argentina couldn't win against Ecuador without one of their best players, in fact in this match Ecuador's Enner was able to capitalize on their numerical advantage by scoring from the penalty spot. Perhaps another team set a very clever example in this World Cup qualifying match because Bolivia has secured a place in the play-offs after winning against Brazil, I think it could definitely be a special opportunity for them.

Brother, Ecuador was a surprise in the qualifiers, they finished in 2nd place with 29 points (8-8-2), only allowing 5 goals and scoring 14. Their solid defense got them there. Regarding Byron Castillo, CAS did not remove Ecuador's points for 2022, instead, they ordered a 3-point deduction for the next qualifying cycle and fined the FEF, so Ecuador kept their spot in 2022. If they could just strengthen their attacking force a little, their solid defense could really make Ecuador a dark-horse in the World Cup.

[mcdouglasx]

And Venezuela? Well, they had everything to qualify and still the worst-case scenario happened. Just think about it, I believe they had six favorable situations, and most of all, Bolivia faces Brazil and it doesn't happen... anyway, I guess what I'm saying is, let's be fair; Bolivia deserves the 'award.' As the saying goes: they did their homework.

Anyway... See you here on December 5th 

You are absolutely right, basically Bolivia didn't win, it was the altitude and low temperatures, something that for Brazilians is a total guillotine coming from a tropical country, those matches there are some of the most difficult in the world to get in shape they would need to acclimatize for a long period of time, but Venezuela also didn't have the luck (or skill) necessary to at least tie at home against Colombia, it's a bit sad to be 100% honest, I hope they do better in the next qualifiers, at least they came close in the most difficult phase in the world.

I remember a Freestyle tournament in Bolivia, where rappers sang for a maximum of 1 minute continuously, after the rounds they had to go put on oxygen masks, if that's what singing is all about, imagine running for 90 minutes.

Although Venezuela also had its share of blame, but that's how sports are.

[Pumared]

Brazil's defeat was truly surprising. I don't think coach Ancelotti has experienced this kind of match at such a high level in his career. It's truly a different game for them to play at this altitude.

Did you check Brazil's line up? Ancelotti was clearly experimenting because many of those players are not usually part of the regular starting eleven. Let's also not forget that playing in Bolivia is always very tricky due to the altitude, I've been there and every slope kills your breath, so try to run for almost 2 hours... And the Bolivians are used to that, the rest of the continent no. I still remember an incredible Bolivia-Argentina 6-1, it was back in April 2009.

I understand he was testing new strategies, but these players should be better prepared for what they earn and the team they represent. I understand the altitude and respect that really changes games, but they should be able to handle this kind of situation since they play at a high level and it's literally their job.

[Ale88]

Brazil's defeat was truly surprising. I don't think coach Ancelotti has experienced this kind of match at such a high level in his career. It's truly a different game for them to play at this altitude.

Did you check Brazil's line up? Ancelotti was clearly experimenting because many of those players are not usually part of the regular starting eleven. Let's also not forget that playing in Bolivia is always very tricky due to the altitude, I've been there and every slope kills your breath, so try to run for almost 2 hours... And the Bolivians are used to that, the rest of the continent no. I still remember an incredible Bolivia-Argentina 6-1, it was back in April 2009.

I understand he was testing new strategies, but these players should be better prepared for what they earn and the team they represent. I understand the altitude and respect that really changes games, but they should be able to handle this kind of situation since they play at a high level and it's literally their job.

They are professionals, that's true, but they also play a lot of matches and when there is a totally useless match for one team, like in this case, I can understand that the players won't take too seriously, they'd rather prefer to avoid possible injuries or excessive fatigue. Brazil were already qualified, just like Argentina, and they both lost for these reasons.

[darbitmobilerecovery]

And Venezuela? Well, they had everything to qualify and still the worst-case scenario happened. Just think about it, I believe they had six favorable situations, and most of all, Bolivia faces Brazil and it doesn't happen... anyway, I guess what I'm saying is, let's be fair; Bolivia deserves the 'award.' As the saying goes: they did their homework.

Anyway... See you here on December 5th 

You are absolutely right, basically Bolivia didn't win, it was the altitude and low temperatures, something that for Brazilians is a total guillotine coming from a tropical country, those matches there are some of the most difficult in the world to get in shape they would need to acclimatize for a long period of time, but Venezuela also didn't have the luck (or skill) necessary to at least tie at home against Colombia, it's a bit sad to be 100% honest, I hope they do better in the next qualifiers, at least they came close in the most difficult phase in the world.

I remember a Freestyle tournament in Bolivia, where rappers sang for a maximum of 1 minute continuously, after the rounds they had to go put on oxygen masks, if that's what singing is all about, imagine running for 90 minutes.

Although Venezuela also had its share of blame, but that's how sports are.

Agree 100% is super sad to see Bolivia only takes advantage from making a cheating movement, we all remember they play in La Paz before, but because they start to lose even at such high altitude they make the final move and moves even more higher to a new stadium. Sad for Venezuela and for sure Bolivia is gonna lose the playoff if they playa against any decent team on normal soil.

About the freestle tournament i never heard about it hahaha.

[Ale88]

Agree 100% is super sad to see Bolivia only takes advantage from making a cheating movement, we all remember they play in La Paz before, but because they start to lose even at such high altitude they make the final move and moves even more higher to a new stadium. Sad for Venezuela and for sure Bolivia is gonna lose the playoff if they playa against any decent team on normal soil.

I disagree. FIFA allows matches to be played in El Alto therefore I don't understand why you say they are cheating. European teams sometimes have to play under the snow at very low temperatures, and they are not used to it, so what's the difference? Each country can be different, that's part of the game, and that is the reason there is a home game and an away game.

[Sithara007]

I disagree. FIFA allows matches to be played in El Alto therefore I don't understand why you say they are cheating. European teams sometimes have to play under the snow at very low temperatures, and they are not used to it, so what's the difference? Each country can be different, that's part of the game, and that is the reason there is a home game and an away game.

LOL.. seriously?

Bolivia forces their opponents to play against them at the Estadio Hernando Siles in La Paz. Do you know about this stadium? It is situated at a height of 3,582 meters above sea level. Most normal human beings would face breathing difficulty at these heights. FIFA originally banned this stadium from hosting international matches, but Bolivia got the ban overturned in 2008. If this is allowed, what prevents Canada from hosting their matches in the North pole, or Nepal from hosting their matches in Mt. Everest?

[Pumared]

Brazil's defeat was truly surprising. I don't think coach Ancelotti has experienced this kind of match at such a high level in his career. It's truly a different game for them to play at this altitude.

Did you check Brazil's line up? Ancelotti was clearly experimenting because many of those players are not usually part of the regular starting eleven. Let's also not forget that playing in Bolivia is always very tricky due to the altitude, I've been there and every slope kills your breath, so try to run for almost 2 hours... And the Bolivians are used to that, the rest of the continent no. I still remember an incredible Bolivia-Argentina 6-1, it was back in April 2009.

I understand he was testing new strategies, but these players should be better prepared for what they earn and the team they represent. I understand the altitude and respect that really changes games, but they should be able to handle this kind of situation since they play at a high level and it's literally their job.

They are professionals, that's true, but they also play a lot of matches and when there is a totally useless match for one team, like in this case, I can understand that the players won't take too seriously, they'd rather prefer to avoid possible injuries or excessive fatigue. Brazil were already qualified, just like Argentina, and they both lost for these reasons.

It seems fair that they shouldn't do that, but they're on a trial roster for the Brazilian national team; they need to prove themselves to be starters, or they won't play in a World Cup, which is the pinnacle of a player's career.

[Bitcoin_Arena]

LOL.. seriously?

Bolivia forces their opponents to play against them at the Estadio Hernando Siles in La Paz. Do you know about this stadium? It is situated at a height of 3,582 meters above sea level. Most normal human beings would face breathing difficulty at these heights. FIFA originally banned this stadium from hosting international matches, but Bolivia got the ban overturned in 2008. If this is allowed, what prevents Canada from hosting their matches in the North pole, or Nepal from hosting their matches in Mt. Everest?

Isn't that the whole point of "Home advantage"?

If Canada can, well, what's stopping them from building a stadium over there. The Opposing team should be well-prepared, depending on the kind of hosting team they are going to meet.

I remember when the champion's league nights we quit tough for visiting teams in Russia during winter due to adverse weather conditions. Teams had to be well-prepared for the brutal atmosphere, not so much noise was made about that. So, there is a reason they even managed to overturn the ban, common sense probably prevailed.