High-Stakes Matches in CONMEBOL 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Brazil, Argentina, and More

The CONMEBOL 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers are heating up, with several crucial matches taking place on Tuesday, November 19. One of the most anticipated clashes is between Brazil and Uruguay, set to kick off at the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador, Brazil, at 7:45 p.m. ET. This match is significant for both teams, as Brazil seeks revenge after being eliminated by Uruguay in the Copa América 2024 and aims to close the gap in the standings. Uruguay, currently two points ahead of Brazil, is looking to extend its winning streak against the Seleção, having won their previous two encounters.

Brazil faces several challenges, including the absence of key players such as Neymar, Alisson, Rodrygo, Éder Militão, Bremer, and Guilherme Arana due to injuries. Additionally, Vanderson is suspended due to yellow card accumulation. Despite these setbacks, Brazil has shown resilience, having secured back-to-back victories over Chile and Peru in October to move into fourth place in the CONMEBOL standings.

In another critical match, Argentina hosts Peru at the Estadio Alberto Jose Armando in Buenos Aires. Argentina is looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2-1 loss to Paraguay and aims to capitalize on their strong historical record against Peru, having won 10 of their last 14 meetings. Lionel Messi will lead Argentina’s attack, while Peru will be without Pablo Guerrero if he fails a late fitness test. This match kicks off at 7:00 p.m. ET.

Other matches on the schedule include Colombia vs. Ecuador and Bolivia vs. Paraguay. These games are part of the ongoing CONMEBOL qualification process, which involves a home-and-away round-robin format among the 10 participating teams. The top six teams will secure direct spots in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the seventh-placed team will enter an inter-confederation playoff.

The CONMEBOL qualifiers have been marked by intense competition, with teams like Brazil and Argentina facing unexpected challenges. The expanded 48-team field for the 2026 World Cup has slightly eased the qualification pressure, but the competition remains fierce as teams vie for the limited spots available.