CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers Matchday 17 Betting Favorites

Last Updated on September 2, 2025 9:48 am by Erwin Noguera

Matchday 17 of the CONMEBOL Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup promises to be one of the most dramatic and decisive of the qualifying process.

With Argentina, Brazil, and Ecuador already assured of a place in the next World Cup, the remaining teams face this matchday under maximum pressure to avoid letting opportunities slip away. The road to North America is in its final stretch, and every point won or lost at this stage could determine the fate of the teams.

The great appeal of this penultimate matchday is that everything remains open beyond Argentina’s dominance. From second to sixth place, the table shows a fierce battle between teams seeking to secure their direct ticket to the World Cup or, at least, keep their options alive through the playoffs. Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay are in direct contention. Still, even teams with less margin, such as Venezuela and Bolivia, maintain a mathematical thread of hope that forces them to play each game as if it were a final.

The tension will be palpable in every stadium in South America. With only two matchdays left to play, there is no room for error: any slip-up could mean saying goodbye to the World Cup dream, while a win could catapult a team into the direct qualification zone.

At Gambyl Exchange, you can explore all the predictions for the World Cup Qualifiers, the final bets for this matchday, and the odds for each match.

CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers: Argentina vs. Venezuela

The Argentine national team arrives at matchday 17 of the qualifiers with the peace of mind of having secured its ticket to the 2026 World Cup and guaranteed top spot in the table.

For Lionel Scaloni, this match will serve more as a testing ground than a competitive obligation, as he will be able to experiment with tactical variations and give playing time to players seeking a definitive place on the roster. However, the match at the Monumental has incalculable symbolic value: it will be Lionel Messi’s last official game on Argentine soil, something that is sure to fill the night at the Monumental Stadium with emotion.

On the other side will be Venezuela, which continues to cling to the dream of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time. La Vinotinto currently occupies seventh place, a position that gives it the right to compete in the intercontinental playoffs, but with only a one-point advantage over Bolivia.

With 18 points, the margin for error is minimal, and scoring in Buenos Aires becomes a necessity rather than a desire. Fernando Batista’s team will try to maintain its defensive discipline and bet on efficiency in the few opportunities it manages to generate.

The context makes this encounter a clash with different nuances for both sides. While Argentina prepares to defend its World Cup crown and bid farewell to its greatest icon at home, Venezuela faces one of the most important matches in its recent history.

The difference in ranking is clear, but the Vinotinto’s hunger could add extra spice to a match that promises excitement both on and off the pitch.

Uruguay vs. Venezuela Betting Pick: Draw

UEFA World Cup Qualifiers: Paraguay vs. Ecuador

In Asunción, Paraguay and Ecuador will face off in a direct duel between teams that already have one foot in the World Cup but are still looking to secure their position in the table.

La Tri arrives with its ticket guaranteed and with the merit of having overcome a -3 point disadvantage at the start due to the Byron Castillo case, something that reinforces the solidity of Sebastián Beccacece’s process. With 25 points and consistent performance in their last ten games (four wins, five draws, and only one loss), the goal now is to maintain second place and arrive at the World Cup with renewed confidence.

La Albirroja is also enjoying a positive run in these qualifiers, with an even campaign that places them in fifth position with 24 points. Daniel Garnero’s side has built its strength on defensive solidity and consistency, with a record very similar to that of its rival: five wins, four draws, and just one defeat in its last ten games.

In addition, playing at the Defensores del Chaco is always a plus for Paraguay, which will seek to take advantage of the support of its fans to make a statement.

The match promises to be intense and tight, with two teams that prioritize tactical discipline and are usually difficult to break down. Ecuador will want to impose its physicality and dynamism in midfield, while Paraguay will rely on high pressure and the strength of its forwards.

With qualification virtually assured, the real objective for both teams will be to fine-tune details and gauge their strength against a direct rival at the World Cup level.

Paraguay vs. Ecuador Betting Pick: Ecuador

UEFA World Cup Qualifiers: Uruguay vs. Perú

In Montevideo, Uruguay will have the opportunity to confirm its place in the World Cup when it hosts a Peruvian team clinging to a slim mathematical hope.

The Charrúas, led by Marcelo Bielsa, have shown solidity throughout most of the qualifiers and are in fourth place with 24 points. The challenge now is to score three points to consolidate their consistency after some recent setbacks. However, they will have to do so with several important absences: Ronald Araújo, Nahitan Nández, and Darwin Núñez are suspended, and Maximiliano Araújo is out with an injury.

Peru, meanwhile, is in a tight spot. With just 12 points and in second-to-last place in the table, the Blanquirroja needs a victory at the Centenario and, in addition, must hope for favorable results elsewhere to keep their hopes alive going into the final matchday.

The outlook is complex, but Jorge Fossati’s team is not giving up hope and will rely on its experience in high-pressure matches to try to surprise Uruguay on its home turf.

The match pits two very different realities against each other: a Uruguay that is practically qualified and wants to fine-tune its performance, and a Peru that is playing its last card.

That said, our prediction is a solid victory for Uruguay.

Uruguay vs. Perú Betting Pick: Uruguay

UEFA World Cup Qualifiers: Brazil vs. Chile

At the legendary Maracanã Stadium, Brazil will host Chile in a match that seems uneven on paper, but is nonetheless appealing.

The Verdeamarela have already secured their qualification, and Carlo Ancelotti is taking advantage of these matches to give playing time to young players who are set to be the next generation. The list includes names such as Joao Pedro and Estevão, both from Chelsea, who represent the new face of the five-time champions ahead of the 2026 World Cup. With established stars providing leadership, Brazil will seek to close out the qualifiers with authority.

Chile, on the other hand, is undergoing a complete overhaul. With no chance of qualifying and following the departure of Ricardo Gareca, Nicolás Córdova took charge with a squad full of young players.

The absence of the Golden Generation’s leading figures marks a profound change of cycle, in which names such as Lucas Assadi and the return of Ben Brereton will attempt to lead a more competitive future. Although the present is adverse, these matches are vital for La Roja to gain experience and begin to build a new identity.

The context favors Brazil greatly, but Chile will try to resist and compete in one of the most iconic stadiums in the world. The difference in hierarchy is noticeable, although pride and the need to prove themselves could make La Roja a difficult opponent.

For this match, there is no doubt that our prediction is a victory for Brazil.

Brazil vs. Chile Betting Pick: Brazil