The summer of football is coming to an end. Here's what's in store for these three South American teams ahead of the 2026 World Cup

After a summer of football, the 2024 Copa America is just one of many tournaments now complete, with Argentina crowned the reigning South American champions.

The attention of CONMEBOL, the South American football federation, now turns to the next two years in what will likely be the most grueling World Cup qualifying phase on the planet.

With teams playing 18 matches over the next two and a half years, South America’s qualification path is brutal and is likely to leave some big teams potentially out of the FIFA World Cup.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams on the field, giving even more South American teams a chance to compete in the biggest sporting event of all time.

Despite the tournament’s expansion and the growing number of CONMEBOL teams that have qualified, World Cup qualifying remains an uphill battle. Here’s a look at the current standings, which include the three points Ecuador was deducted from its total due to using an ineligible player last cycle.

The current CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table

Given these rankings, three teams are likely to have an interesting few years depending on their performances at the Copa América as they look to return to the United States, Mexico and Canada in 2026.

Brazil

Brazil were eliminated from the Copa America in the quarterfinals, losing on penalties to Uruguay. On paper, the team has a ton of talent, including attacking players like Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo and Endrick. Alisson Becker holds down the fort in goal, and they have household names in almost every position.

So why so much difficulty in the Copa America?

They simply have not been able to play up to the standards that football fans are accustomed to. Now they return to World Cup qualifying where they have fared worse, currently sitting sixth in the standings with a losing record.

Surprisingly, the entire nation finds itself in a similar situation to the United States, trying to figure out what its style of play should be and whether the current pool of players is capable of inspiring the nation in its quest for what would be a sixth World Cup title. The Americans have also changed coaches, but none seem to be able to solve their problems.

Brazil is at a crossroads. It has never missed a World Cup and does not want to start now in what would be the biggest tournament of its kind. The last time the World Cup was held in the United States, in 1994, Brazil lifted the trophy for the fourth time.

Essentially, Brazil need their stars to start playing like stars on the international stage in attack and they need to play better defense if they are to truly be considered a contender in 2026.

Colombia

Colombia’s journey to the Copa América final has been nothing short of inspiring. On an unbeaten streak that stretched back to February 2022, Colombia’s run ended at 28 consecutive matches in the loss to Argentina. In fact, the bookends of The sequence The qualifiers were a 1-0 defeat against Argentina thanks to a goal from Lautaro Martinez.

Colombia must therefore be delighted with the progress they have made and their chances of being considered a serious contender for the World Cup.

They are undefeated in World Cup qualifying so far and currently sit third in the CONMEBOL standings. And they have found several players who are playing incredible football at this stage. They probably weren’t counting on the rejuvenation of their captain James Rodriguez to help them during the Copa América, but now that they have, they should be confident about their chances of succeeding during the remainder of qualifying. If they can continue to play at this elite level, the world should take notice that the Cafeteros are willing to do whatever it takes to win.

Uruguay

Uruguay finished the Copa America in third place, after losing to Colombia in the semifinals and then coming back to beat Canada on penalties in the third-place match. They may have to deal with the fallout from the brawl that followed the end of the semifinal against Colombia, when Uruguayan players ran into the stands to fight Colombian fans who were attacking their families.

Still, they are in good form as they resume FIFA World Cup qualifying.

Uruguay currently sit second in the standings and the best thing for coach Marcelo Bielsa is that Uruguay have been quietly rebuilding their machine. Of the Copa America players, only Luis Suarez is over 31 and, at 37, it is hard to imagine him being in the team in 2026.

Uruguay’s roster features 14 players aged 25 or under, including stars Darwin Núñez and Federico Valverde, and this young group is gaining the experience it needs to be ready to make a run in 2026. They still have to complete World Cup qualifying, but if they stay healthy, Uruguay could emerge as one of the teams the rest of the field knows will be a problem.