THE ELIMINATORIAS
CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying ("Eliminatorias") is the toughest qualification path in world football. All 10 South American nations play each other home and away—18 matches over 2+ years to determine who goes to the World Cup.
For expats in Latin America, these matches are major events. National team qualifying games stop countries, fill bars, and create intense atmosphere.
FORMAT
- 10 teams play double round-robin (18 matches each)
- Top 6 qualify directly for World Cup
- 7th place goes to intercontinental playoff
- Matches played during FIFA international windows (March, June, September, October, November)
WHY IT'S TOUGH
No Easy Games
Every opponent is competitive. Even Bolivia can beat anyone at altitude. Venezuela has improved dramatically. There are no Gibraltar-style mismatches.
Travel and Altitude
La Paz (3,640m), Quito (2,850m), Bogotá (2,640m)—altitude destroys visiting teams. Sea level teams struggle to breathe, let alone play.
Length
18 matches over 2+ years means form fluctuates, injuries accumulate, and anything can happen.
BETTING STRATEGIES
Home Advantage Extreme
CONMEBOL home advantage is the strongest in international football. Bolivia in La Paz, Ecuador in Quito—these are near-guaranteed results regardless of opponent quality.
Big Team Struggles Away
Brazil and Argentina lose away matches every qualifying cycle. Don't blindly back favorites on the road.
Draws Common
Cautious away performances mean draws happen frequently. The X often offers value.
🎯 Altitude Betting Rule
When a sea-level team visits La Paz or Quito, back the home team or the draw. The altitude effect is scientifically proven and historically consistent.
MARKETS
- Match betting: 1X2, Asian Handicap, totals
- To qualify: Which teams make World Cup
- Top scorer: Qualifying's top goalscorer
- Group position: Final standings
🌎 BETSSON - ELIMINATORIAS
Full CONMEBOL qualifying coverage. All matches, all markets.
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