Matchday 4 Preview: South American FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers – Forbes

Neymar Jr. of Brazil fights for the ball with Federico Valverde of Uruguay during a match between … [+] Brazil and Uruguay
Uruguay V Brazil
One of football’s most historic rivalries was formed between these two neighbours way back in the early 20th century. Brazil defeated Uruguay 1-0 after extra time in the 1919 Copa America Final courtesy of a 122nd minute goal from striker Arthur Friedenreich. The two sides would go on to have many important battles.
In 1950 they met on the biggest stage of them all; the World Cup Final. (Technically this game wasn’t actually the final, it was, however, the decisive match of what was the final World Cup round.)
Uruguay; a tiny nation relative to Brazil, stunned the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro by defeating the hosts 1-0 to lift the World Cup trophy.
Since then they have faced off in three more Copa America finals with Uruguay winning twice and then Brazil finally getting one back over their old rivals in 1999. Since then Brazil have been amongst the trophies more than Uruguay but both sides look certain to qualify for a date with destiny at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Brazil will travel to Montevideo for matchday 4 after a shock home draw with Venezuela. Uruguay on the other hand will enter the game buoyed by their away point in Colombia last time out.
Uruguayan forward Juan Alberto Schiaffino (C) kicks the ball past Brazilian goalkeeper Moacyr … [+] Barbosa to tie the score at 1 during the World Cup final round soccer match between Uruguay and Brazil 16 July 1950 in Rio de Janeiro. Uruguay upset Brazil 2-1 to win its second World title after winning the first World Cup in 1930 in Uruguay.
Peru V Argentina
Nothing is falling for Peru at the start of this campaign and next up they will be hosting World Champions and qualifying league leaders Argentina.
Peru still haven’t managed a shot on target in three qualiying matches and Argentina are the only South American team still yet to concede a goal. It’s fair to say the home side will be up against it in this one.
Peru’s once talismanic striker Paolo Guerrero is now 39 years old so perhaps it’s no surprise that they have been misfiring. Argentina, on the other hand, have a 100% record and have hit the post more times than they have scored so far. Their 1-0 home wins have flattered their opponents, if anything.
Argentina look as unified and hungry as they were in Qatar so don’t expect their winning run to end here.
Lionel Messi of Argentina lifts the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Winner’s Trophy following the FIFA … [+] World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar.
Ecuador V Colombia
Ecuador are a young team on the up. Last time out they won in Bolivia and they will be relishing the chance to get one over on neighbours Colombia in the altitude of Quito this Tuesday evening.
Chelsea star Moisés Caicedo provided two assists in the last match, one of those goals was converted by another Chelsea player; Kendry. The young man on loan to Independiente del Valle in Ecuador is a superstar in the making and will want to make a mark in front of his home fans on Tuesday.
Colombia were very positive in their home draw to Uruguay and should have taken all three points. They weren’t clinical enough and conceded goals at terrible times. If they can iron out the errors then expect James to continue his good form and Luis Díaz to shine.
This tie is evenly matched and both teams have made a positive start to qualifying. A draw wouldn’t be a disaster for either but given the pace and quality of both sides let’s hope it’s a high scoring affair.
Ecuador’s midfielder Moises Caicedo celebrates at the end of the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American … [+] qualifiers football match between Ecuador and Uruguay.
Venezuela V Chile
Venezuela have been the surprise package in South American qualifying so far; thanks to a late equaliser in Brazil and a home victory on matchday 2. Can they continue their promising form when they host Chile on Tuesday?
After picking up their first victory at home to Peru, visitors Chile will also be feeling confident ahead of this clash. Expect a low scoring affair though, both teams have been tight at the back and less than prolific going forward.
The last time Chile visited Venezuela they lost 2-1. That was during qualifying for Qatar 2022, but neither of these sides made it close to getting to that World Cup. If three points are claimed in this game it would be a monumental boost for either side.
Venezuela’s forward Salomon Rondon celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal from the penalty … [+] spot during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Venezuela and Paraguay.
Paraguay V Bolivia
Paraguay will be desperate to seal a home victory against Bolivia. They have drawn one and lost two so far but considering Bolivia are the visitors there will be pressure on the hosts to claim a victory.
Bolivia have looked like the weakest side in qualification so far. In just three games they have no points and have conceded ten goals. If they don’t turn their form around then bar a miracle their qualification hopes look doomed.
Newcastle forward Miguel Almirón has shown inspired form at club level; scoring in recent games against Sheffield United, Burnley and even PSG on a famous Champions League night at St. James’ Park. Paraguay are still waiting for him to spark into life in this international campaign, but Tuesday’s home fixture against Bolivia is the perfect opportunity for him to do so.
Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron in action during a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup 2026 … [+] against Paraguay at the Monumental stadium, in Buenos Aires.

source