International Window Approaches for 2026 FIFA World Cup
The September 2025 international window is here, which means it’s time to consider who might secure their spots this fall for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. So far, ten teams have qualified, joining the co-hosts: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. We’re starting to get a clearer picture of who will fill in the remaining 48 positions for the tournament next summer.
Conmebol usually kicks off its qualification process early, and it’s arguably one of the toughest. The qualifiers for the region began in September 2023, with each team playing 18 matches to determine their chances at the World Cup. Out of the teams, six will qualify directly, while the team finishing in seventh will have to go through inter-confederation playoffs in March.
With just two matches left in qualifying, here’s a snapshot of how the standings look for Conmebol.
Argentina, Brazil, and Ecuador have secured their places among the 48. Uruguay and Paraguay still have hopes, but they’ll need to excel in playoffs between confederations. Unfortunately, Chile is out of the running, and Peru is facing a tough uphill battle just to qualify for the inter-confederation playoffs.
Now, Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia are all vying for that last direct spot and the playoff opportunities. Currently, Colombia holds a four-point edge over Venezuela and five points over Bolivia. They have matches ahead, with Colombia hosting Bolivia on September 4 and then traveling to face Venezuela on September 9. If Colombia can snag points against Bolivia, that would pretty much seal Bolivia’s fate of not qualifying outright. Meanwhile, Venezuela will face the already qualified Argentina in Buenos Aires on September 4, while Bolivia takes on the also qualified Brazil on September 9. Should Colombia secure qualification, these matches will be crucial in determining who gets to the inter-confederation playoffs.
The Rest of the Teams’ Chances
Uruguay and Paraguay need to pick up points in their last two matches or hope that Venezuela slips up to secure their World Cup spot. Colombia seems to have the best shot at Conmebol’s final direct qualification spot, and it’s essential for them to capitalize on any points dropped by Venezuela and Bolivia.
Peru, unfortunately, has the toughest situation in the quest for a World Cup berth. They must win their matches against Uruguay and host Paraguay, while also hoping for Venezuela to lose both of their games and Bolivia to earn just one point. For a team that competed in the 2018 World Cup and finished as runners-up in Copa America 2019, it would be a tough pill to swallow if they miss out on the World Cup again. Many questions would surely arise if that were to happen.
