CONMEBOL

CONMEBOL has 6 confirmed teams at World Cup 2026: Argentina (Group J), Brazil (Group C), Uruguay (Group H), Colombia (Group K), Ecuador (Group E), and Paraguay (Group D). This is a reduced allocation compared to past estimates as the expanded format spread berths more evenly.

Argentina won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, defeating France on penalties in the final. It was Argentina's third title and their first since 1986. Lionel Messi finally claimed the one trophy missing from his career.

Argentina are the top seeds and strong favourites. However, defending a World Cup title is historically rare — only Brazil (1958, 1962) and Italy (1934, 1938) have won back-to-back. At 39, Lionel Messi's fitness and availability is the key question for Argentina's chances.

CONMEBOL nations have won 10 World Cups: Brazil (5), Argentina (3), Uruguay (2). South America and Europe have dominated the tournament between them, with no team from any other confederation ever winning.

Beyond Argentina, Brazil are a perennial favourite despite not winning since 2002 — their longest drought. Uruguay under Bielsa are always dangerous, and Colombia's squad — Copa America 2024 runners-up — built around Luis Díaz, could be a genuine dark horse. Ecuador and Paraguay add further South American teeth.

All 10 CONMEBOL members play each other home and away in a single table (the CONMEBOL qualification round-robin). The top 6 qualify automatically, and the 7th-placed team enters an intercontinental play-off. For 2026, 8 teams qualified directly.