The South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup are entering their decisive phase. On Thursday, September 4 and Tuesday, September 9, Matchdays 17 and 18 will be played, with six teams still in the running for the remaining tickets to the World Cup to be organized by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Conmebol matches
So far, Argentina, Brazil and Ecuador have already sealed their qualification. Chile has been mathematically eliminated, and the other six teams – Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay, Venezuela, Bolivia and Peru – are fighting for one of the three remaining direct tickets or access to the intercontinental playoff.
The matches with a direct impact on the standings will be played simultaneously. The scheduled time for these matches is 19:30h (ET). Only Brazil vs. Chile (Matchday 17) and Ecuador vs. Argentina (Matchday 18) are exempt from this rule.
Where to watch, rivals, stadiums and schedules – Matchdays 17 and 18
Matchday 17 – Thursday, September 4, 2025 (ET)
All matches, except for Brazil vs. Chile, are played simultaneously at 19:30h.
- Uruguay vs. Peru
Stadium: Centenario, Montevideo
ET Time: 19:30h - Colombia vs. Bolivia
Stadium: Metropolitano, Barranquilla
Time in Spain: 19:30 - Paraguay vs. Ecuador
Stadium: Defensores del Chaco, Asuncion
ET Time: 19:30h - Argentina vs. Venezuela
Stadium: Monumental, Buenos Aires
Time in the UK: 18:30h - Brazil vs. Chile
Stadium: Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro
ET Time: 20:30h
Matchday 18 – Tuesday, September 9, 2025
All games start between 7:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. ET.
- Ecuador vs. Argentina
Stadium: Monumental, Guayaquil
ET Time: 19:00h - Peru vs. Paraguay
Stadium: Nacional, Lima
Time ET: 19:30h - Venezuela vs. Colombia
Stadium: Monumental, Maturin
Time in the USA: 13:30h - Bolivia vs. Brazil
Stadium: Municipal, El Alto
Kick-off time: 18:30 BST - Chile vs. Uruguay
Stadium: Nacional, Santiago
Time in UK: 19:30 BST
What’s at stake: places, playoffs and legacy
With only two rounds remaining, the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup are entering their most critical phase. With Argentina, Brazil and Ecuador already qualified and Chile mathematically eliminated, six teams are fighting for the last direct tickets or at least the intercontinental playoff spot.
Uruguay: La Celeste has everything in its favor: a draw against Peru in Montevideo or on the last matchday against Chile will be enough to secure direct qualification. Even if Venezuela or Colombia stumble, Bielsa’s side could seal their place without playing any more. They are already assured of at least a playoff spot.
Colombia: The coffee growers depend on themselves. A victory against Bolivia or Venezuela will qualify them directly. Even two draws would be enough to get them into the playoffs. But a setback would open up possibilities for their rivals.
Paraguay: They need just one point in their matches against Ecuador or Peru to qualify directly. Like Uruguay, they would also benefit from possible stumbles by Venezuela or Colombia. They have already secured at least a playoff spot.
Venezuela: La Vinotinto is playing for its life: it needs to get four points against Argentina (away) and Colombia (home) to keep dreaming. If it wins both, it will secure at least a playoff berth. If it loses to Argentina and Colombia wins, it could be out as early as this matchday.
Bolivia: They must beat Colombia (away) and Brazil (home) and hope for unfavorable combinations for their rivals. If they lose to Colombia and Venezuela wins, they would be eliminated on this date.
Peru: They have no chance of direct qualification. They can only reach the playoffs if they beat Paraguay, and if Venezuela loses both matches, while Bolivia does not get more than one point. All this will also depend on goal difference.
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