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CONMEBOL teams open qualifying for “most inclusive and biggest” FIFA World Cup™ yet, says Gianni Infantino
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World champions Argentina feature in opening qualifiers on 7 September
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Qualifiers to conclude with intercontinental play offs in March 2026
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said CONMEBOL nations are at the “start of a journey that will spread great joy and happiness” as FIFA World Cup 2022™ winners Argentina and their South American counterparts open qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Three mouthwatering clashes mark the start of CONMEBOL qualifying on Thursday, 7 September, with Argentina v. Ecuador, Paraguay v. Peru and Colombia v. Venezuela. The first round of matches will be completed the following day with Uruguay v. Chile and Brazil v. Bolivia.
“Fewer than nine months on from the greatest ever FIFA World Cup, the road to the next one begins today,” said the FIFA President. “FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the most inclusive and the biggest yet. With the three hosts already qualified, 45 places are up for grabs for teams across six continents to be part of a tournament that will take place across 16 fantastic venues in Canada, Mexico and the United States during June and July 2026.