After the 2022 World Cup, many predicted a dip in Argentina‘s performance. Instead, they have dominated the 2026 Conmebol World Cup qualifiers, holding the top position for months. Meanwhile, significant shifts have occurred in the standings below them. With Matchday 17 over, let’s explore the current landscape and how competition stands.
During the first half of the Conmebol qualifiers, Colombia emerged as a formidable contender to challenge Argentina for the top spot. Despite the string of defeats that jeopardized their standing, they have secured their spot 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Bolivia.
Nonetheless, these are not the only surprising changes in the qualifiers. Ecuador started with a three-point deduction due to Byron Castillo’s issues, but rallied to secure their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup under head coach Sebastian Beccacece.
Additionally, Brazil navigated uncertainty and a coaching carousel—losing Ramon Menezes, Fernando Diniz, and Dorival Junior—before securing their World Cup spot. The arrival of Carlo Ancelotti reignited optimism in the team.
Rodrigo De Paul, Lautaro Martinez and Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrate a goal.
Conmebol 2026 World Cup Qualifying standings after Matchday 17
With only one round left in the CONMEBOL Qualifiers, Argentina, Ecuador, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Colombia have all secured their spots at the 2026 World Cup. Venezuela and Bolivia remain in contention, competing for the seventh place, which grants a playoff spot. Chile and Peru, meanwhile, stand as the national teams eliminated from the competition. Here are the current standings:
| 1 | Argentina | 38 |
| 2 | Brazil | 28 |
| 3 | Uruguay | 27 |
| 4 | Ecuador | 26 |
| 5 | Colombia | 25 |
| 6 | Paraguay | 25 |
| 7 | Venezuela | 18 |
| 8 | Bolivia | 17 |
| 9 | Peru | 12 |
| 10 | Chile | 10 |
see also
Lionel Messi leads Argentina with a brace in 3-0 win over Venezuela in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
2026 Conmebol World Cup qualifiers: Matchday 17 results
After a three-month hiatus since the last competitive matches, CONMEBOL returned to action on September 4, 2025, with five crucial fixtures. Several teams have secured a direct berth in the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Colombia, Uruguay and Paraguay. Here are the results of the game for Matchday 17.
- Colombia 3-0 Bolivia
- Uruguay 3-0 Peru
- Paraguay 0-0 Ecuador
- Argentina 3-0 Venezuela
- Brazil 3-0 Chile
Conmebol 2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Matchday 18 games
Now, all eyes turn to the decisive final day of the 2026 CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers. Venezuela and Bolivia will fiercely compete to secure their playoff spot. Here are the Matchday 18 games, scheduled for Tuesday, September 9, 2025:
- Ecuador vs Argentina (7:00 pm ET)
- Bolivia vs Brazil (7:30 pm ET)
- Venezuela vs Colombia (7:30 pm ET)
- Peru vs Paraguay (7:30 pm ET)
- Chile vs Uruguay (7:30 pm ET)
