SOUTH AMERICA · SPORT
Key Facts
—The six: Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Uruguay and Paraguay all qualified directly from the South American group.
—The hosts: The tournament runs June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Mexico and Canada, with 48 teams for the first time.
—The favorites: Argentina arrive as reigning world champions; Brazil chase a sixth title under Carlo Ancelotti.
—The returnees: Paraguay are back for the first time since 2010; Colombia return after missing 2022.
—Who missed out: Venezuela and Bolivia fell short, the latter losing an intercontinental playoff spot.
Six South American sides are heading north for the first 48-team World Cup. Here is a one-stop guide to who they are, where they sit, and the players to watch as the group stage unfolds.
How South America lines up at the World Cup
The South American confederation sent six nations directly to the finals, the maximum from its qualifying group. The 2026 edition is the largest ever, with 48 teams in 12 groups of four; the top two from each group advance, along with the eight best third-placed sides, to a 32-team knockout round. Matches are spread across 16 stadiums in three countries, from June 11 to the July 19 final.
For the region, the draw was a mixed bag: some sides landed in reachable groups, others drew European heavyweights in their opening match. Below, each of the six in turn.
Brazil and Argentina: the contenders
Brazil are in Group C with Morocco, Haiti and Scotland, and open against Morocco on June 13, followed by Haiti on June 19 and Scotland on June 24. Carlo Ancelotti‘s side chase a sixth world title and a first since 2002; the running storyline is whether an injured Neymar can contribute, with the staff hoping for a return during the group stage. Morocco, semifinalists in 2022, are rated the toughest of the three rivals.
Argentina, the reigning champions, headline Group J alongside Austria, Algeria and Jordan, opening against Austria. Lionel Scaloni’s team carry the weight of defending the title won in 2022, and remain among the clear favorites. The group looks navigable on paper, the kind of draw a champion is expected to top.
Colombia, Uruguay and Ecuador: the dark horses
Colombia return to the World Cup after missing 2022, drawn in Group K with Portugal, Uzbekistan and DR Congo, and open against Portugal, a marquee first test. Built around James Rodríguez, the Cafeteros are at their seventh finals and arrive with momentum from qualifying.
Uruguay, two-time world champions reaching a fifth straight finals, sit in Group H with Spain, Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde, and face Spain first. Ecuador, physically formidable and well organized, land the hardest opener of all, against Germany in Group E, which also contains Ivory Coast and Curaçao. Both will fancy a knockout-round place if they survive their toughest fixtures.
Paraguay: the comeback story
Paraguay are the region’s feel-good qualifier, back at the World Cup for the first time since 2010 and reaching their ninth finals overall. They share Group D with hosts the United States, Turkey and Australia, a balanced group in which the Albirroja will believe a second-place finish is within reach.
Their presence, and the absence of Venezuela and Bolivia, frames the South American story: a region sending a deep contingent, but not all of its usual names. Bolivia came closest of those left behind, falling in the scramble for an intercontinental playoff place.
What to watch through the group stage
The expanded format helps the region’s middle tier: with eight best third-placed teams advancing, a single good result can be enough to reach the knockouts, which favors sides like Ecuador, Uruguay and Paraguay that may not top their groups. The opening fixtures, several against European elites, will set the tone for how far each can go.
For neutral viewers, the South American calendar offers a clear arc through late June: champions Argentina managing expectations, Brazil’s Neymar subplot, Colombia and Uruguay testing themselves against Portugal and Spain, and Paraguay savoring a long-awaited return. Keep this guide handy, the group stage runs to June 26, and the picture will sharpen fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which South American teams qualified for the 2026 World Cup?
Six: Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Uruguay and Paraguay, all directly from the South American qualifying group. Venezuela and Bolivia missed out.
When and where is the tournament?
From June 11 to July 19, 2026, across the United States, Mexico and Canada. It is the first 48-team World Cup, with 12 groups of four and a 32-team knockout round.
Who are the favorites among them?
Argentina, the reigning champions, and Brazil, chasing a sixth title under Carlo Ancelotti, are the strongest. Colombia, Uruguay and Ecuador are credible dark horses.
Which teams open against European heavyweights?
Colombia face Portugal, Uruguay face Spain and Ecuador face Germany in their first matches. Argentina open against Austria, and Brazil against Morocco.
Connected Coverage
For more World Cup coverage, see Ancelotti’s decision to keep Neymar and the opening ceremony in Mexico City.