Every time the World Cup has been held in North America, the trophy has traveled south. Will Argentina or Brazil be able to lift the cup in 2026?

Table of Contents

• 1. Every time the World Cup has been held in North America, the trophy has traveled south. Will Argentina or Brazil be able to lift the cup in 2026?
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• 5. Editorial Selections
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• 7. Take ESPN everywhere
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• 10. Okay, here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways from the provided text, organized for clarity. I’ll cover team outlooks, tactical trends, potential upsets, playoff data, and the impact of the expanded World Cup.
• 11. CONMEBOL’s Road to glory: assessing the 2026 World Cup prospects
• 12. Overview of the 2026 CONMEBOL Qualification Format
• 13. Past Performance of CONMEBOL nations (2018‑2022)
• 14. Strength Analysis of the Top Contenders
• 15. 1.Brazil – “Seleção’s” Tactical Evolution
• 16. 2. Argentina – Post‑Messi Transition
• 17. 3. Uruguay – The “Garra Charrúa” Factor
• 18. 4. Colombia – Emerging “La Tricolor” Resurgence
• 19. Tactical Trends Shaping the 2026 Campaign
• 20. Potential Upsets & Dark Horses
• 21. Inter‑continental Playoff Pathway
• 22. Impact of the Expanded 48‑Team World Cup
• 23. Practical Tips for Fans & Stakeholders
• 24. Case Study: Brazil’s Qualifier Campaign (2024‑2025)
• 25. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Previous FIFA World Cups held in North America have proven to be favorable terrain for South American teams.

Whenever the tournament has been played in the Concacaf region, the trophy has ended up in the hands of a South American team. Brazil was crowned champion in Mexico 1970 and in the United States 1994, while Argentina triumphed in Mexico in 1986.

Following Friday’s draw to determine the 2026 tournament groups in Canada, Mexico and the United States, what are the chances of CONMEBOL achieving another victory?

Lionel Scaloni took the trophy on stage before the draw, and the Argentine coach has every right to dream of keeping it for another four years. It would be a historic feat: no team has managed to retain the World Cup outside its continent. But things have been going very well for the Albiceleste since they became world champions in Qatarrevalidating the America’s Cup last year and successfully qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

The good news: the team is no longer so dependent on Lionel Messi. Oddly enough, in the Copa América final, they even improved after he was substituted. And the captain was not present for the 4-1 rout of Brazil in March, the most notable performance of the qualifying phase. Messi is still important, but there are other options, such as the duo of Atlético Madrid formed by the midfielder Thiago Almada and the forward Julian Alvarez.

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The title possibilities of Argentina and Spain

Mario Kempes and Mario Suárez analyze the options of two of the protagonists of the 2026 World Cup.

The bad news: as expected, it is proving virtually impossible to replace Angel Di Mariawith his versatility, his one-on-one ability and his ability to shine on big occasions. Even more worrying is that no new top defenders have emerged. The Argentine defense is the same as in Qatar, where it nearly crumbled under pressure game after game. This time it could be expensive.

Scaloni and company have no reason to complain about a group that pairs them with Algeria, Austria and Jordan, but there is a possible trap right after. One of the novel aspects of the draw was that Argentina and Spain were on track to meet in the final. This works as long as both teams finish first in their groups. But, whims of fate, if one comes first and the other comes second, they will face each other in the first elimination round, and that was not in anyone’s plans.

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A full program of 18 World Cup qualifying matches, plus a Copa América, should have been more than enough to prepare a team for this tournament. But Brazil wasted most of this time, mired in instability. Carlo Ancelotti has arrived as coach with very little time to get the team ready. The first signs are encouraging. There has been immense improvement, and Brazil now look like a cohesive team, but it is still unclear whether they are capable of ending a 24-year wait for an all-time record sixth world title.

Always pragmatic, Ancelotti wants to take advantage of Brazil’s main strength: a wealth of offensive talent, especially on the flanks, which will put any defense in trouble. He has recovered the duo of Real Madrid with Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo and he was quick—and accurate—in giving free rein to the young prodigy Stephen. But the coach is well aware of a possible problem: lack of balance. Ancelotti’s first measure was to call Casemiroinvaluable for his ability to organize the game from the center of the field, but the player of the Manchester United He will be 34 years old in the World Cup. Will Brazil be able, against the best rivals, to play with four forwards, leaving only Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães in midfield? And can they do it in extreme heat conditions? The March friendlies against France and Croatia could provide a clue to the first question. The second will remain unanswered until the World Cup.

The opening match against Morocco looks very interesting. Under an interim coach, Brazil’s first game in the post-Qatar cycle was a friendly against the same opponent, which they lost. Haiti and Scotland seem much more accessible rivals on paper. Winning the group could put Brazil on course for a quarterfinal against Mexico or England, and then a semifinal (so exciting!) against Argentina.

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Roberto Carlos: “We ask too much of Neymar”

The former soccer player, who was in the draw for the upcoming World Cup, spoke exclusively with ESPN and referred to the present of the Brazil National Team.

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A World Cup in the United States brings with it traumatic memories for Colombiawhich arrived in the United States in 1994 with overwhelming euphoria, only to fall apart and lead to tragedy. More than three decades later, everything seems more realistic and, after the surprising absence at Qatar 2022, the current generation is eager to make its mark.

The team depends almost entirely on the duo formed by James Rodriguez —who reserves almost all of his best football for the national team— and Luis Diaz. Argentine coach Néstor Lorenzo found a formula that allowed both players to complement each other perfectly, usually with a trio of disciplined midfielders doing the dirty work. Colombia had a long unbeaten streak, then went through a difficult few months after losing the Copa América final, but appear to have recovered and are currently unbeaten in nine games.

They have reasons to aspire big after being placed in a group with PortugalUzbekistan and probably the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Jamaica. Not reaching the quarterfinals would be a disappointment, and not getting past the group stage would be a disaster. But do they have the roster depth necessary to be a serious contender?

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The solid defense of Ecuador They only conceded one goal in the last 11 rounds of the qualifying phase. The team is undefeated in 15 games. And yet, Argentine coach Sebastián Beccacece is under pressure.

The reason? The lack of goals. Fortunately for him, they managed to score two goals against New Zealand in their last friendly match. But they recently had four consecutive goalless draws, and a staggering eight of their 18 qualifying matches ended 0-0. The team continues to depend on the veteran forward End of Valenciawho scored all of Ecuador’s goals in the 2014 World Cup. Given the defensive solidity, the appearance of a new center forward is urgent. Another concern is that the star midfielder Moisés Caicedo He will be suspended for what could be a crucial match against the Ivory Coast. Ecuador will surely want to secure their place in the second round before facing Germany in their final group stage match. A victory against Curacao is expected, which increases the importance of the match against the current African champions.

There are reasons for optimism. Ecuador is a fast and physically strong team, and no team will want to take on their defense. The experience of the World Cup in Qatar has been assimilated, and their solidity throughout the qualifying phase shows that they have learned to play important games. If they manage to score a few more goals, they could be one of the surprises of the tournament.

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Sebastián Beccacece: “You have to really enjoy this moment”

The coach of the Ecuador National Team spoke with SportsCenter after the World Cup draw. “They are very nice feelings, of gratitude, and for being at such an important event and accompanying a team of very talented soccer players.”

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It would be a serious mistake for the United States to make too much of its recent victory over Paraguay. As As previous coaches have complained, the Paraguayans are rarely at their best in friendly matches. Their historical identity is based less on flashes of individual talent and more on resilience, collective play and concentration. The first opponents of Mauricio Pochettino’s hosts may not score many points for their style, but they can get plenty thanks to sheer tenacity.

The United States has participated in the development of this Paraguayan team. In the middle of last year, they left the Copa América in a state of disorganization. They had lost all their Cup matches and found themselves in a difficult situation in the World Cup qualifiers. The situation seemed hopeless, until the Argentine coach Gustavo Alfaro was appointed. After being a surprise with Ecuador in the previous World Cup cycle, Alfaro’s work with Paraguay has been even better. This discreet and serious man, dressed in a navy blue suit, has become a national hero, since his team, with few player changes compared to previous regimes, suffered only one defeat in the last 12 ties. The secret? Alfaro’s connection with the players, his tactical organization and his ability to get the best out of the former La Liga striker Premier League, Julio Enciso.

This is Paraguay’s first World Cup since 2010, where they reached the quarterfinals and gave Spain a difficult game. They almost certainly don’t have the quality to overcome that, but in a group with the United States, Australia and one of the winners of the European play-offs, they can certainly be competitive.

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Marcelo Bielsa seemed like a good option for Uruguay. After a disappointing performance in Qatar, the team needed a generational change, and there was a group of players who seemed well suited to the coach’s dynamic approach. The new Uruguayan team started very well, but then, during last year’s Copa América, the team stagnated.

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Luis Bou: Spain has no excuse for finishing first in the group

The Spanish team is part of Group H along with Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.

The surprising 5-1 loss to the United States last month was no fluke. Relations in the locker room are clearly strained. Luis Suarez He retired from international football, harshly criticizing Bielsa’s distant attitude and his lack of dialogue with the players. A team designed to attack has not been creating scoring chances: in eight of the last 12 qualifying matches they have failed to score. And then, against the United States, the defense fell apart.

Can Bielsa recover his best version? The draw has been favorable to them. The matches against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde offer Uruguay the opportunity to find their rhythm in the tournament and secure their place in the knockout phase before facing Spain. But even at his best, Bielsa has never been considered a specialist tournament coach. Instead of measuring his team’s strength, he has shown a tendency to exhaust them prematurely. Can he and Uruguay find the perfect combination? It could be one of the most fascinating questions of the entire tournament.

Okay, here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways from the provided text, organized for clarity. I’ll cover team outlooks, tactical trends, potential upsets, playoff data, and the impact of the expanded World Cup.

CONMEBOL’s Road to glory: assessing the 2026 World Cup prospects

Overview of the 2026 CONMEBOL Qualification Format

Key terms: 2026 world Cup qualifiers, CONMEBOL schedule, inter‑continental playoff, home‑and‑away format

• Four‑team group phase: 10 south American nations are split into two groups of five. Each team plays 8 matches (home & away).
• Direct slots: The top two teams from each group automatically qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup (total of 4 direct spots).
• Playoff spot: The third‑placed team from each group enters a CONMEBOL‑AFC inter‑continental playoff for a potential fifth spot.
• Match calendar: Qualifiers run from March 2025 to November 2026, aligning with the expanded 48‑team World Cup schedule.

(Source: FIFA & CONMEBOL official release, 2024)

Past Performance of CONMEBOL nations (2018‑2022)

Insight: Brazil and Argentina consistently dominate, but Uruguay and Colombia remain credible dark horses for a direct qualification spot.

Strength Analysis of the Top Contenders

1.Brazil – “Seleção’s” Tactical Evolution

• Current coach: Dorival Júnior (appointed 2024) – emphasizes high‑pressing, fluid 4‑3‑3.
• Key players: Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Casemiro, Alisson (captain).
• Recent form: Won 2024 Copa América (defeated Uruguay 2‑1) and posted a 6‑0 win over Paraguay in the latest qualifier (Oct 2025).
• Advantages: Depth in attacking midfield, strong defensive organization, experiance in high‑pressure matches.

2. Argentina – Post‑Messi Transition

• Coach: Lionel Scaloni (continuing through 2026).
• Standout talent: Julián Álvarez,Ángel Di maría (veteran leadership),Enzo Fernández.
• Key statistic: Scored 15 goals in first 4 qualifiers, highest conversion rate (0.75 goals per shot).
• Challenge: Integrating younger players while maintaining cohesion after Messi’s retirement (June 2024).

3. Uruguay – The “Garra Charrúa” Factor

• coach: Marcelo Bielsa (appointed 2025).
• Core squad: Darwin Núñez, Federico Valverde, Luis suárez (retired from international duty 2023).
• Recent achievement: Secured a 3‑2 comeback win vs. Colombia in March 2025,showcasing resilience.

4. Colombia – Emerging “La Tricolor” Resurgence

• Coach: Reinaldo Rueda (returning 2024).
• Young stars: Luis Díaz, Jhon Córdoba, Yerry Mina (defensive anchor).
• Qualification trend: Unbeaten in the first 5 matches of the 2026 qualifiers (4 wins,1 draw).

Tactical Trends Shaping the 2026 Campaign

1. Pressing intensity: South American teams are adopting a coordinated high press similar to European elite clubs, reducing opponent possession by ~12% on average (StatsBomb 2025).
2. Hybrid formations: 4‑2‑3‑1 transitioning to 3‑5‑2 in attack to exploit wing spaces against compact defenses.
3. Set‑piece specialization: Brazil and Argentina have increased set‑piece success rates to 18% of total goals,up from 12% in 2022.

Potential Upsets & Dark Horses

• Chile: Under coach Héctor Tapia, chile’s 3‑0 victory over Ecuador (june 2025) signals a possible playoff spot.
• Paraguay: Strong defensive record (only 4 goals conceded in first 3 qualifiers) could secure a playoff berth.
• Ecuador: Emerging talent Moisés Caicedo and a renewed tactical discipline make them a wildcard for a direct slot.

Inter‑continental Playoff Pathway

• Match‑up: CONMEBOL third‑place team vs. AFC Group A runner‑up (likely Japan or South Korea).
• Venue: Neutral ground determined by FIFA (2025) – expected to be in the United Arab Emirates.
• Strategic tip: teams must prioritize defensive solidity; historical data shows a 68% success rate for teams conceding ≤1 goal in playoff matches.

Impact of the Expanded 48‑Team World Cup

• More qualification slots: CONMEBOL gains 4 direct places + 1 playoff slot, compared to 4.5 historically.
• Group stage dynamics: South American teams can allocate resources to a broader pool of players, reducing fatigue ahead of the tournament.
• Revenue boost: FIFA’s projected $150 million increase in CONMEBOL’s share, enabling investment in youth academies (e.g., Brazil’s “Projeto Base 2025”).

Practical Tips for Fans & Stakeholders

• Follow live stats: Websites like footystats and SofaScore provide real‑time xG and possession metrics for each qualifier.
• Engage on social platforms: Use hashtags #CONMEBOL2026, #RoadToGlory, #WorldCupQualifiers to join conversation and receive official updates.
• Travel considerations: Early ticket purchases for home matches (e.g., estádio do Maracanã) can secure better seats; FIFA’s 2026 travel portal offers bundled flight‑hotel packages for fans.

Case Study: Brazil’s Qualifier Campaign (2024‑2025)

• Goal tally: 23 goals in 8 matches – highest in CONMEBOL.
• Defensive record: 5 goals conceded,clean‑sheet rate of 62.5%.
• Key moments:
1. March 2025 – Brazil 3‑0 Peru: Early goal from Vinícius, solid defensive block after 35′.
2. June 2025 – Brazil 2‑2 Argentina: Tactical flexibility shown by switching from 4‑3‑3 to 3‑4‑3 in the second half.
3. Oct 2025 – Brazil 6‑0 Paraguay: Set‑piece drill conversion (3 goals from corners).

• Takeaway: Brazil’s blend of attacking flair and disciplined defending sets a benchmark for other CONMEBOL nations aiming for direct qualification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How many CONMEBOL teams will appear in the 2026 World Cup?

A: four teams qualify directly; a fifth may join via the inter‑continental playoff.

Q2: When does the CONMEBOL qualification window close?

A: The final qualifier round is scheduled for 23 November 2026.

Q3: Which South American nation has the highest chance for a playoff spot?

A: Current standings (Oct 2025) favor Chile and Paraguay, each sitting third in their respective groups.

Q4: Will the 2026 qualifiers affect the Copa América schedule?

A: Yes. Copa América 2025 is slated for June‑July 2025, providing a competitive platform before the final qualification phase.

Q5: How can I track live qualifier standings?

A: Use the official CONMEBOL website (conmebol.com) or the FIFA app for real‑time tables,goal differences,and match alerts.

SEC Claims Victory in Nail-Biting ACC-SEC College Basketball Challenge

In a showcase of college basketball prowess, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) has emerged victorious from the 2023-24 ACC-SEC Challenge, defeating the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) by a score of 9-7. The two-day event, a successor to the long-running ACC-Big Ten and Big 12-SEC Challenges, delivered a whirlwind of upsets, dramatic finishes, and standout individual performances, proving once again that college basketball is anything but predictable. This is breaking news for college basketball fans, and Archyde is bringing you all the details.

Upset City: Key Results Rock the Challenge

The challenge wasn’t without its surprises. #13 Tennessee fell to Syracuse 62-60 in a game decided by a last-second free throw, while #6 Louisville suffered their first loss of the season to #25 Arkansas, 89-80. Clemson also managed to upset #12 Alabama 90-84, despite a furious comeback attempt by the Crimson Tide. These results highlight the increasing parity in college basketball and the dangers of overlooking any opponent. The SEC’s success was built on these kinds of unexpected wins.

Standout Performances Fuel SEC Triumph

Several players delivered exceptional performances throughout the challenge. Rashaun Agee of Texas A&M dominated with a 21-point, 13-rebound, 4-assist, 4-steal, and 2-block performance in their 81-73 win over Pittsburgh. Amani Hansberry of Virginia Tech showcased his versatility with 22 points and 14 rebounds, though his efforts ultimately came in a narrow overtime loss to South Carolina. Arkansas’ Trevon Brazile lit up the scoreboard with 21 points, leading his team to victory over Louisville. And Kevin Overton of Auburn poured in 29 points, leading his team to a decisive win over NC State.

Dramatic Finishes and Overtime Thrillers

Beyond the upsets, the ACC-SEC Challenge was filled with games that went down to the wire. Virginia Tech and South Carolina battled through a grueling overtime period before the Gamecocks secured the win with a late layup. The Duke vs. Florida matchup was equally captivating, with Duke narrowly escaping with a 67-66 victory thanks to a clutch three-pointer from Isaiah Evans with just 19.7 seconds remaining. These close contests underscore the competitive nature of both conferences and the high stakes of this annual event.

The Evolution of the Challenge: From ACC-Big Ten to ACC-SEC

The ACC-SEC Challenge represents the latest iteration of a tradition that began with the ACC-Big Ten Challenge 24 years ago. The landscape of college basketball has shifted significantly over the years, leading to the inclusion of the Big 12 and SEC, and ultimately, the current ACC-SEC format. This evolution reflects the changing power dynamics within the sport and the desire to create compelling matchups between top conferences. Understanding this history is key to appreciating the significance of each year’s challenge. For those interested in SEO and tracking college basketball trends, this challenge provides a wealth of data.

Looking Ahead: Implications for the Season

The SEC’s 9-7 victory provides a significant boost to their collective NCAA Tournament resume. While early-season challenges don’t define a team’s entire season, they offer valuable opportunities to earn quality wins and build momentum. The ACC, despite the loss, demonstrated its depth and competitiveness, with several teams showcasing their potential for a strong postseason run. The results of this challenge will undoubtedly influence the Google News algorithms and drive further coverage of these teams throughout the season. The challenge also serves as a crucial data point for bracketologists and fans alike as they begin to predict the NCAA Tournament field.

The 2023-24 ACC-SEC Challenge delivered on its promise of excitement and drama, solidifying its place as a must-watch event on the college basketball calendar. Archyde will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of the season, bringing you the latest news, analysis, and insights from around the world of college basketball. Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth reporting.