CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying scenarios, table, schedule: What every team needs to do to make it to Qatar

For those teams still looking to qualify for the 2022 World Cup out of CONMEBOL, just two games remain for them to punch their tickets. The top four automatically advance, with the first two places already going to Brazil and Argentina. So that leaves two direct spots and the fifth-place spot, which comes with an intercontinental playoff. As things stand, Ecuador and Uruguay are both in good shape to make it but still must remain composed, while that final spot will likely be decided decided by Peru, Chile, Colombia or Bolivia. 

Here’s a look at the standings, schedule and scenarios.

COMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings

• 1. Brazil, 39 points
• 2. Argentina, 35 points
• 3. Ecuador, 25 points
• 4. Uruguay, 22 points
• 5. Peru, 21 points
• 6. Chile, 19 points
• 7. Colombia, 17 points
• 8. Bolivia, 15 points
• 9. Paraguay, 13 points
• 10. Venezuela, 10 points 

CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying schedule

All times Eastern

Matchday 18

Tuesday, March 29

Peru vs. Paraguay, 7:30 p.m.

Ecuador vs. Argentina, 7:30 p.m.

Venezuela vs. Colombia, 7:30 p.m.

Chile vs. Uruguay, 7:30 p.m.

Bolivia vs. Brazil, 7:30 p.m.

CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying scenarios

Ecuador: They’ll qualify with just one more point. They could make it with two losses as long as results don’t see them slip out of the top four, but they know they control their own destiny.

Uruguay: They also control their own destiny. A win over Peru, combined with Chile failing to beat Brazil, will be enough. If they also draw their remaining two games, they can’t finish lower than fifth.

Peru: Another team that controls its own destiny. Upsetting Uruguay in Montevideo, however unlikely, would put them on the verge of booking a ticket. Losing their remaining two games will make things complicated as Chile is just two points behind. 

Chile: They need to secure three more points than Peru over the last two games to have a shot. Considering they play Brazil on Thursday, it may come down to their match with Uruguay. They’ve got a lot of work to do and need a little bit of help.

Colombia: They have to win out to have any chance at fifth place. They play arguably the two worst teams in Bolivia and Venezuela, but 23 total points still likely is not enough.

Bolivia: They need to transform into Brazil, and everybody else needs to transform into a Sunday league team. They must win out and somehow see Peru, Chile and Colombia fail to reach 21 points while also beating them out on goal differential. Mission impossible.