The FIFA World Cup. The pinnacle of football. But before the glory, comes the grit. In South America (CONMEBOL), the qualifiers are legendary - a brutal, unforgiving battle for precious spots.
Forget easy games! Altitude in La Paz, the heat of Barranquilla, and the fervent passion of Buenos Aires all play their part. Every match is a derby, every point hard-earned. Expect tactical battles, dramatic finishes, and no shortage of controversy.
Ten nations slug it out in a single, round-robin format. No groups, just pure, unadulterated competition. The top teams automatically qualify, while the fifth-placed team might get a second chance via inter-confederation play-offs.
Keep an eye on the usual suspects like Brazil and Argentina, but don't underestimate the likes of Uruguay, Colombia, and Ecuador. Anything can happen on the CONMEBOL road to the World Cup. Buckle up, it's going to be a wild ride!