The South American Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are heating up as teams prepare for crucial matches that will shape their chances of participating in the prestigious tournament in North America. Argentina currently leads the pack, while Brazil and Colombia battle fiercely to secure their places ahead of the final qualification rounds.
As of the latest standings, Argentina tops the table with 25 points after 12 matches, and could secure its spot in the World Cup as early as June 2025. However, both Brazil and Colombia are not far behind. Brazil is currently in fifth place with 18 points, while Colombia sits fourth with 19 points, making their upcoming head-to-head clash crucial.
On Thursday, March 20, Brazil will host Colombia at the Arena BRB Mané Garrincha in Brasília at 7:45 p.m. (Colombia time), a match that could determine whether Brazil enhances its chances of climbing the table or if Colombia extends its lead over the 'Seleção'. Brazil manager Néstor Lorenzo sees this match as pivotal, stating, "Defeating Brazil and Paraguay would not only elevate us to 25 points but ensure we qualify without relying on other results."
Historically, qualification to the World Cup has been dependent on amassing at least 27 points, but recent changes to the tournament structure mean that a total of 24 points could suffice for a direct spot or a place in the playoff. The expansion of the tournament to 48 teams has altered the dynamics of the qualifiers significantly. With Argentina's lead in the standings, their performance in the upcoming matches will be closely watched, especially with Lionel Messi ruled out due to injury.
This qualifier period is significant not just for Brazil and Colombia but for the entire CONMEBOL region, with fierce rivalries reignited in this competition. Teams such as Uruguay also push for a higher spot, currently seated in second place with 20 points. Matches against Ecuador and Venezuela will likewise be critical for teams like Colombia who are aiming to seal their qualification before the final matches in June 2025.
Colombia, under the guidance of their coach, will strive to capitalize on their form despite recent setbacks, including losses to Uruguay and Ecuador. "We came from two disappointing games, but the team has shown resilience. This is a new chance to convert our hopes for World Cup qualification into reality," stated a representative of the Colombian team.
On the matter of match broadcasts, fans in the U.S. and Mexico will have the opportunity to catch these pivotal games on various platforms. In the United States, fans can stream the match between Brazil and Colombia live on Telemundo, starting with pre-match coverage at 7:30 p.m. ET, followed by the live match at 8:30 p.m. ET. In Mexico, the match will also be available via the Vix Premium app and on several channels through the cable network Sky, which has exclusive broadcasting rights for the qualifiers.
The full schedule of matches within this qualifier period will see dates filled with potential matchups that could dramatically affect the standings. For instance, on Tuesday, March 25, teams will face off again with matches lined up such as Brazil vs. Argentina, a historically significant rivalry, as well as Colombia meeting Paraguay who are pushing hard for a return to the World Cup stage for the first time since 2010.
With so much on the line, fans are eager to see how the top teams will maneuver this final stretch of matches. Will Brazil reverse its fortunes and secure a higher position in the final standings? Will Colombia arise victorious in both their next encounters? Only time will tell as the ambiance of soccer fervor intensifies across South America.
As the final round of matches approaches, all eyes will be on the participating teams. The tension is palpable, and fans will monitor every match closely. The possibility of an early qualification spot for certain teams hangs delicately in the balance, making each match critical. A successful campaign for Colombia could finally erase the pain of missing out on the previous World Cup in Qatar, which only adds to the richly woven narrative of this qualification journey.
