The Conmebol qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup are set to resume on March 20, 2025, with Brazil facing Colombia in a high-stakes match at the Estadio Nacional Mané Garrincha in Brasilia. As both teams look to solidify their standings, the clash promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Brazil has been in a precarious position recently, drawing their last two matches against Venezuela and Uruguay, both ending in 1-1 ties. Currently sitting in fifth place in the standings with 18 points, they will be desperate for a win. Coach Dorival Júnior’s squad held their first full practice session on March 18, 2025, as they prepare for what could be a season-defining match.
On the other hand, Colombia arrives with its own set of challenges. Under coach Néstor Lorenzo, the team suffered back-to-back losses in November 2024, falling 3-2 to Uruguay and 0-1 to Ecuador, which has left them languishing in fourth place with 19 points. They cannot afford another disappointing result against Brazil if they hope to maintain their aspirations for a direct spot in the World Cup.
The match will kick off at 20:45 ET (18:45 CT and 17:45 PT) and can be viewed live across various networks including ViX by TUDN USA, TyC Sports, and Telemundo Deportes. Fans looking for an online streaming option can also catch the game via Fubo Sports.
This matchup forms part of matchday 13 of the qualifying tournament, taking place from March 20 to March 21, 2025, with Paraguay facing Chile on the same day.
In another crucial game on March 20, Paraguay will host Chile at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco in Asunción. Paraguay, currently in sixth place, is on a six-match unbeaten streak and will be keen to secure all three points to bolster their ambitions for World Cup qualification.
As the qualifiers intensify, every game counts, with the top six places earning direct entry to the World Cup, while the seventh-placed team will enter a playoff. Currently, Argentina leads the standings with 25 points, followed closely by Uruguay and Ecuador with 20 and 19 points respectively.
Moreover, the stakes are high for Colombia as they reflect on recent clashes, most notably their last encounter against Brazil, which they won 2-1 at home. That victory is their only win against Brazil in the qualifiers, having drawn seven and lost seven previous encounters. The Colombian squad, known for its attacking prowess, will be looking to make a statement once again, especially with star James Rodríguez leading the charge.
The excitement continues on March 21 with a handful of vital matches, including Uruguay versus Argentina at the iconic Estadio Centenario in Montevideo. Both teams are vying for clear positions in the World Cup, and a win could significantly enhance their chances of qualifying outright.
Competing teams need to remain focused as they navigate through this grueling qualifying phase that has proven highly competitive. As the international fixtures draw closer, all eyes will be on the South American nations as they battle it out for a chance to participate in football's greatest event in 2026.
The 2026 World Cup promises to be a remarkable tournament with the United States, Canada, and Mexico co-hosting. Hence, significant stakes are involved in this vital qualifying window.
Fans will be eager to see how their teams perform under immense pressure, as the road to the World Cup is long and challenging.
