We are towards the end of the World Cup Qualifiers (CONMEBOL) and let’s take a look at the teams that have qualified for the World Cup 2022 and the standings of the other teams.
Qualification Scenario
10 teams will contest in a round-robin format and those who finish at the top four of the table will secure their place in the World Cup. The team finishing fifth will have to participate in the inter-confederation playoff.
Teams who have qualified for the World Cup
Brazil and Argentina are the only teams who have qualified for the next year’s World Cup, though they have got four matches in hand.
Brazil and Argentina have been impressive in the Qualifiers, not facing a single defeat so far. La Selecao sit at the top of the table with 35 points, with Argentina trailing them at 29 points.
Standings of the teams after matchday 14
| Team | PTS | Match | Win | Loss | Draw | GF | GA | GD |
| 1-Brazil (Q) | 35 | 13 | 11 | 0 | 2 | 27 | 4 | +23 |
| 2-Argentina (Q) | 29 | 13 | 8 | 0 | 5 | 20 | 6 | +14 |
| 3-Ecuador | 23 | 14 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 23 | 13 | +10 |
| 4-Colombia | 17 | 14 | 3 | 3 | 8 | 16 | 17 | -1 |
| 5-Peru | 17 | 14 | 5 | 7 | 2 | 15 | 20 | -5 |
| 6-Chile | 16 | 14 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 15 | 16 | -1 |
| 7-Uruguay | 16 | 14 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 14 | 21 | -7 |
| 8-Bolivia | 15 | 14 | 4 | 7 | 3 | 20 | 28 | -8 |
| 9-Paraguay | 13 | 14 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 18 | -9 |
| 10-Venezuela | 7 | 14 | 2 | 11 | 1 | 9 | 25 | -16 |
Ecuador likely to secure the third sport
Ecuador, who are currently third in the table, have high chances of securing their place in the World Cup, as they are six points ahead of fourth-placed Colombia. They were also clinical in the recently-concluded international break, picking up comprehensive wins against Venezuela and Chile.
Five teams fighting for the two spots
The South American qualifiers are expected to go down the wires, with the likes of Colombia, Peru, Uruguay, Chile and Bolivia not being far from each other in the table.
Uruguay’s chances looking bleak
Uruguay have put themselves in a precarious situation after a disappointing run in the World Cup Qualifiers. Currently standing seventh in the table, they haven’t managed a single win in their last five games and their recent setback was against Bolivia on matchday 14. Despite having a strong squad from attack to defence, Oscar Tabarez’s side have been below par with their performances on the pitch. However, they would like to turn their fortunes around when they face lower-ranked sides Paraguay and Venezuela in the upcoming match days. Perhaps, Uruguay have played in the inter-confederation playoff four times in the last five seasons and they will be at least hoping to secure fifth place.
Uruguay’s remaining fixtures
- vs Paraguay
- vs Venezuela
- vs Peru
- vs Chile
Colombia’s remaining fixtures
If Colombia manages to weather the storm against Argentina and Peru, they are likely to book their ticket to the 2022 World Cup.
- vs Peru
- vs Argentina
- vs Bolivia
- vs Venezuela
Peru’s remaining fixtures
Peru have had an excellent international break recently, defeating both Bolivia and Venezuela. Christian Cueva was on target in both the games and he is also among the top scorers in the qualifiers with 5 goals. Peruvians will have to face Colombia and Uruguay, who both are in contention for the World Cup spot.
- vs Colombia
- vs Ecuador
- vs Uruguay
- vs Paraguay
Chile
After missing out on the previous edition in 2018, Chile’s chances for the next year’s World Cup in Qatar are also hanging in balance. The worst-case scenario is they have to face Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay in their remaining games.
- vs Argentina
- vs Bolivia
- vs Brazil
- vs Uruguay
Bolivia
Bolivia will have a mountain to climb to secure a dream qualification for the World Cup. Nonetheless, they are looking in good spirits after thrashing Uruguay at home. Their home ground advantage is like no other and they would try to use it against Chile and Brazil.
- vs Venezuela
- vs Chile
- vs Colombia
- vs Brazil
