In the end, the show must go on. The CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers arguably contain some of the most exciting, toughest teams in the world. Regardless of empty crows, there are going to be some challenges for some of these teams. La Paz is 12,000 feet above sea level, while the Barinas en Venezuela features some of the hottest temperatures. 


What makes these upcoming qualifier matches exciting is the talent in place. These three teams are currently the best coming out of South America. Let’s take a look at where some of these teams stand as we near the end of 2020.


Brazil

The former Copa America champions lost just one game in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers. Since their opening loss to Chile, the team has looked dangerous. The No. 3 ranked team in the world is slowly becoming a World Cup favorite on Unibet. With talent such as Neymar Jr. Richarlison, Gabriel Jesus, and Phillipe Coutinho, the youthful movement is now an experienced power that looks to bring Brazil back to the glory days. 


The five-time World Cup champions appear to be back, even though the team is ranked below Belgium and Spain. However, nobody should overlook Brazil. The team recently defeated Venezuela and Uruguay. When the team returns to action on March 25, Brazil will battle Colombia and Argentina. 


Taken from Pixabay

Uruguay


Uruguay is the No. 7 ranked team in the world according to the rankings. Despite falling to Brazil 2-0 in the World Cup qualifier, the team remains in the top-10. Before losing to Brazil, Uruguay blasted Colombia 3-0. Uruguay continues to be a force in the World Cup thanks to the work of legendary manager Oscar Tabarez. 


Luis Suarez has taken over the face of the franchise, but it’s the youth that stands out more. The team features six uncapped players, including Nicolas de la Cruz and LAFC star and former MLS top scorer Dieo Rossi. The key to qualifying will be winning on the road. When the team returns to play, Uruguay will battle Argentina and Bolivia. 


Argentina


Nobody has it tougher than Argentina when the team returns to play in 2021. Argentina will have to take on No. 3 ranked Brazil and No. 7 ranked Uruguay. This will be the country’s chance to prove that they belong in the top-10. Argentina is ranked No. 9 in the world, but has some question marks after tying Paraguay 1-1 in the World Cup qualifier. A 2-0 win over Peru kept the team in the upper part of the rankings. 


We have seen some good moments from this team, but it will all ride on how much Lionel Messi has in the tank. It’s no secret that Messi is aging (33 years old), but his talents are still severely needed. Luckily, the team does not need Messi to be the go-to scorer. With players like Lucas Ocampos and Lautaro Martinez, Messi can drop to being a third option, which is a scary thought when you think about how talented this team could be. All in all, Argentina is in a good spot, but can they bring people to greatness in 2021? We will wait and see.