The South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are heating up once again as Round 15 kicks off tomorrow. Reigning world champions Argentina will travel to face Chile, with star forward Lionel Messi making his long-awaited return to the national team. Meanwhile, Brazil, now under the leadership of new head coach Carlo Ancelotti, takes on Ecuador in a high-stakes clash that could shake up the standings.
Messi Returns After Half-Year Absence
37-year-old Lionel Messi is back in Argentina’s squad for the first time since November of last year. The Inter Miami forward had been sidelined from international duty due to muscle issues, but is now ready to bolster La Albiceleste’s attack as they aim to strengthen their lead at the top of the table.
Argentina currently sit comfortably in first place with 31 points from 14 games, eight points ahead of second-placed Ecuador. Their recent form has been solid, with wins in two of their last three matches, including back-to-back victories in the previous two rounds. In their first meeting against Chile earlier in the campaign, Argentina won convincingly with a 3-0 scoreline.
Argentina Calls Up Fresh Talent Amid Key Absences
Head coach Lionel Scaloni has made several changes to the squad, including three fresh call-ups: defender Kevin Lomónaco (Independiente), defender Mariano Troilo (Belgrano), and 17-year-old forward Franco Mastantuono (River Plate). These newcomers join a slightly depleted squad as Scaloni deals with several key absences.
Veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi is suspended, forcing Scaloni to reshuffle the backline. Either Facundo Medina or Leonardo Balerdi is expected to start in his place. In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister misses out due to injury, while both Enzo Fernández and Leandro Paredes are suspended. Exequiel Palacios and Giovani Lo Celso will likely join Rodrigo De Paul in the centre of the pitch.
Despite the challenges, Argentina are favourites to secure another three points, especially with Messi back on the pitch and the team in confident form.
Brazil Hope to Reignite Under Ancelotti in Tough Ecuador Test
On the other side of the continent, Brazil face a crucial away match against Ecuador, with Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti making his official debut as head coach of the Seleção. The former Real Madrid boss brings a wealth of experience, and he’ll be eager to make a winning start to his tenure.
Brazil are currently fifth in the standings with 21 points, tied with Uruguay and Paraguay. A win over Ecuador would see them leapfrog both and move into second place, a significant psychological boost heading into the final rounds.
Veteran midfielder Casemiro returns to the squad and is expected to start alongside Richarlison and Antony in the attacking setup. The defence will likely feature Alex Sandro and Marquinhos. However, Brazil will be without winger Raphinha, who is serving a suspension and will return in the next match against Paraguay.
Ecuador, meanwhile, will be looking to secure direct qualification with a victory. Sitting second with 23 points, a home win would all but seal their place in the 2026 World Cup.
Paraguay and Uruguay Face Off in Pivotal Battle
Another major clash sees Paraguay hosting Uruguay in what’s being dubbed a do-or-die encounter. Both teams sit on 21 points, and a win for either side would mean automatic qualification. With so much on the line, expect an intense, hard-fought battle.
Elsewhere on Friday, Colombia will host bottom-placed Peru in a must-win game to stay in the qualification race. At the same time, Venezuela take on Bolivia in a contest that could help them inch closer to playoff contention.
The top six teams will earn direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup, while the seventh-place team will head into an intercontinental playoff. With just a few rounds remaining, every match now carries massive implications, and the race for the final spots is tighter than ever.
