CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers Matchday 18 Betting Favorites

Last Updated on septiembre 8, 2025 10:17 am by Erwin Noguera

The South American Qualifiers are reaching their final chapter, and the tension is at its peak. With six teams already qualified for the 2026 World Cup —Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, Colombia, and Ecuador—the focus is on the fight for the playoff spot. In this do-or-die battle, Venezuela and Bolivia are vying for the last ticket on this final matchday.

La Vinotinto has its destiny in its own hands. If it defeats Colombia in Maturín, it will secure the chance to compete in the World Cup for the first time in its history through the playoff. For Bolivia, however, the situation is more complicated: it must defeat Brazil in El Alto and hope that Venezuela does not score three points. A difficult scenario, but not impossible at the Andean altitude.

Beyond this crucial battle, the day offers attractive matches due to the weight of the rivals, the statistics, and the betting trends. With Ecuador facing world champion Argentina, Peru testing its strength against Paraguay, and Bolivia hosting Brazil, each match has something special to offer fans and bettors.

En Gambyl Exchange, puedes explorar todas las predicciones para la Clasificatorios para la Copa del Mundo, las apuestas finales para esta jornada y las cuotas de cada partido.

Eliminatorias de la CONMEBOL al Mundial: Ecuador vs. Argentina

La Tri, under the leadership of Sebastián Beccacece, has already secured its qualification and arrives on a historic streak: ten games unbeaten, all of them official. However, it will have to put that consistency to the test against an Albiceleste team that, although it will be without Lionel Messi, is always a formidable opponent.

Argentina faces the match without its star player, who shone in the last game with a brace against Venezuela. Although Messi is not there, Lionel Scaloni’s squad (which secured its ticket to the World Cup several games ago) is still full of talent and aims to close the qualifiers with authority. In addition, this match allows them to try out different attacking options and consolidate players who will have to take on a more prominent role in the next stage.

The match looks evenly balanced in the odds, with Argentina slightly favored. However, Ecuador’s unbeaten record and the difficulty of playing in Quito tip the balance. In this scenario, a draw looks like the most logical option.

Ecuador vs. Argentina Betting Pick: Draw

Clasificatorios de la Copa Mundial de la UEFA: Bolivia vs. Brazil

The green team arrives under pressure to beat Brazil, but their recent results are not encouraging: only one win in their last four games, with more goals conceded than scored. The 0-3 defeat to Colombia once again exposed the defensive weaknesses that they will need to correct if they want to cause an upset.

Brazil, although already qualified, is not traveling to the altitude just to fulfill its obligations.The Canarinha arrives motivated after a 3-0 win over Chile and with a roster that mixes established stars and rising young players. Despite the historical difficulties it usually has in Bolivian territory, the Brazilians have shown an offensive solidity that allows them to arrive with confidence.

Bolivia will try to impose its physical condition and the wear and tear of the 4,000-meter altitude, but the difference in quality between the teams remains significant. Therefore, beyond the home-field advantage and the motivation of La Verde, Brazil is the natural favorite for this clash.

Bolivia vs. Brazil Betting Pick: Brazil

Clasificatorios de la Copa Mundial de la UEFA: Venezuela vs. Colombia

The most eagerly awaited match of the day will take place in Maturín. Venezuela, with its hopes still intact, knows that a victory against Colombia will guarantee it a place in the playoffs and, with that, the opportunity to make history.

Although it comes off the back of a heavy 3-0 defeat to Argentina, Fernando Batista’s team has shown character in the qualifiers and is confident that home advantage and the support of its fans will make the difference.

Colombia, already qualified and with its ticket secured, will not be an easy opponent. Los Cafeteros have been on a roll since the arrival of Néstor Lorenzo and have established themselves as runners-up in the Americas. Returning to the World Cup was the main objective after their absence in Qatar, and now they will be looking to end the qualifiers on a positive note. Even so, they could rotate players with an eye on what lies ahead.

The context means that La Vinotinto arrives with greater motivation and more at stake. With a historic place within reach, Venezuela looks ready to prevail in its own stadium and secure a place in the playoffs.

Venezuela vs. Colombia Betting Pick: Venezuela

Clasificatorios de la Copa Mundial de la UEFA: Perú vs. Paraguay

In Lima, a different cycle is coming to an end. Peru has been eliminated, with no chance of qualifying, and with the mission of bidding a dignified farewell to its fans.

Óscar Ibáñez’s team was clearly outplayed by Uruguay in the last match, reflecting the lack of consistency that marked its entire campaign. However, at home, the Blanquirroja always seeks to leave a better impression.

Paraguay, on the other hand, is experiencing a completely different present. With Gustavo Alfaro at the helm, the Albirroja secured their ticket to the World Cup thanks to an orderly and effective style of play. The goalless draw against Ecuador on the penultimate matchday sealed their passage and confirmed that this team can compete on equal terms with anyone in the region. Players such as Miguel Almirón have been key in this process.

Although Peru will be looking to end its losing streak, the reality is that Paraguay is in better form and has more solid arguments in its favor. In what could be a close game, logic and the odds favor the visitors.

Perú vs. Paraguay Betting Pick: Paraguay