We’ve reached the business end of the South American World Cup qualifiers and are in for some mouth-watering matchups this week as teams look to secure their places in the 2026 World Cup.
There are some heavyweight clashes to watch, including the five-time World Champions Brazil travelling to current World Champions Argentina.
With plenty to sort out, our tipster Tom Desborough has taken a look at the best games for this week and put together a tasty treble for you to dive right into.
Tuesday Football Betting Tips
Tuesday 8pm: Bolivia v Uruguay – Uruguay to win
Wednesday 12am: Argentina v Brazil – Argentina to win
Wednesday 12am: Chile v Ecuador – Ecuador to win
- Like the look of these three bets as a treble? It will pay out at approximately 20/1. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR PADDY POWER BETSLIP.
Tuesday 8pm: Bolivia v Uruguay – Uruguay to win
World Cup qualifier at Estadio Hernando Siles, La Paz, Bolivia
It is always difficult for the visiting team against Bolivia, thanks to the nearly 12,000 feet above sea level that the Estadio Hernando Siles sits. However, Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay demolished the hosts 5-0 when they met in the Copa America Group Stage in June last year.
Victories have been hard to come by for Uruguay, taking only one win in their eight games since last summer’s tournament. But they know that one more win in World Cup qualification should put them out of reach of the chasing pack, and this game presents a great opportunity.
Bolivia are winless in their last four games, losing heavily to Peru, Argentina, and Ecuador. Their home form is much better, having not lost in La Paz in their previous six games.
Paraguay were the last visitors to the mountainous nation and secured a 2-2 draw, the first point gained by an opponent in Bolivia for five games.
The last time Uruguay came to Bolivia in 2021, they lost 3-0, but they had won their previous two trips here, a record better than most.
With Bolivia’s poor recent form and the visitors one win away from all but securing World Cup qualification, I’d back Uruguay to win.
Wednesday 12am: Argentina v Brazil – Argentina to win
World Cup qualifier at Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Argentina are well on course for qualification to the 2026 World Cup as they top the table on 28 points, six clear of closest challengers Ecuador. A win against their next opponents, Brazil, will make their attendance at next year’s tournament official.
Lionel Scaloni’s side have an excellent record against La Selecao, with zero defeats in their previous four meetings, a run that has lasted six years.
Their record at home is also one to admire. They have won seven of their eight World Cup qualifying games (one defeat), conceded only four goals, and kept four consecutive clean sheets.
Brazil’s qualifying campaign took a long time to take off after picking up only one win in their first six games. They have since returned to a side reminiscent of the five-time world champions, going unbeaten in their last five and winning three.
They needed a 99th-minute winner from Vinicius Jr. on Friday to secure a 2-1 win over Colombia, which took them third in the standings.
However, their improving form may not be enough to shut out a dominant Argentinian side because their away form is still well short of their lofty standards. Brazil have only won one of their previous five away from home and this is the most challenging trip of their campaign.
Despite some absences due to injury, Argentina still possess more than enough quality to secure the win against Brazil. That’s why I’m backing Argentina to win.
Wednesday 12am: Chile v Ecuador – Ecuador to win
World Cup qualifier at Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos, Santiago, Chile
The downfall of Chilean football over the last decade has been equally impressive and depressing. It is difficult to watch the 2015 and 2016 Copa America champions still relying on the ageing legs of the same talents that brought them that glory a decade ago.
Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal are in their late 30s yet are still key members of their national side, currently languishing at the bottom of the 2026 World Cup qualifying group.
Chile have won only two of their 13 qualifying matches and will need to win all three of their final games to reach the World Cup playoffs.
Ecuador have been experiencing the complete opposite of their opponents’ fortunes during this qualifying campaign as they sit second in the group.
Despite a three-point deduction at the beginning of qualifying, they have accrued 22 points, putting them on the brink of reaching back-to-back World Cups for only the second time in their history.
Ecuador have won three consecutive games ahead of Tuesday’s match and are unbeaten in six, including an away win in Colombia in November. They also won the previous meeting against Chile, a 1-0 victory in November 2023.
Despite Chile’s desperate need for a win, I expect Ecuador to be too difficult to break down. They have only conceded five goals during qualifying, the best of any team. They should extend their impressive unbeaten run here and have the quality to secure another victory. Therefore, I’m backing Ecuador to win.
South American betting tips
Tuesday 8pm: Bolivia v Uruguay – Uruguay to win
Wednesday 12am: Argentina v Brazil – Argentina to win
Wednesday 12am: Chile v Ecuador – Ecuador to win
- Like the look of these three bets as a treble? It will pay out at approximately 20/1. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR PADDY POWER BETSLIP.
All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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