<div id="attachment_355640" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><div><figure class="image"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-355640" class="wp-caption-text">Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images</p></div>
<p>Brazil’s dominance in the soccer world is one of historic and current significance. Of course, we all know how the nation leads all countries in World Cup Championships. The country consistently produces world-class players that dominate the club scene. Now, Brazil is expanding their domestic output to match the game’s global development.</p>
<p>Twelve games into CONMEBOL’s FIFA World Cup qualification, and Brazil are on top. With a mind-boggling 31 points in eleven games, the Brazilians look set to qualify for the World Cup. They possess an 18-point buffer from missing out on World Cup action.</p>
<p>The Copa Libertadores Final takes place on November 27. The two finalists, Flamengo and Palmeiras, are both Brazilian. Five of the eight quarterfinalists hailed from Brazil in the 2021 Copa Libertadores.</p>
<p>Similarly, the Copa Sudamericana Final features two Brazilian teams. On November 20, Athletico Paranaense takes on Red Bull Bragantino. Brazil’s dominance appeared in the group stage of South America’s Europa-League-equivalent. Four Brazilian clubs qualified for the knockout stages.</p>
<p>Other South American nations pump out talent as well. However, Brazil remains a head above their competition.</p>
<h3>Brazil’s soccer identity</h3>
<div id="attachment_355619" style="width: 1210px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><div><figure class="image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-355619" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-355619" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20211110_WST_355562_Brazil-World-Cup-Fans-1.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=606" alt="" width="1200" height="606" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Brazil-World-Cup-Fans-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Brazil-World-Cup-Fans-1-300x152.jpg 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Brazil-World-Cup-Fans-1-600x303.jpg 600w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Brazil-World-Cup-Fans-1-150x76.jpg 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Brazil-World-Cup-Fans-1-768x388.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-355619" class="wp-caption-text">Brazilian fans celebrate during the 2014 World Cup.</p></div>
<blockquote><p><em>“If you are first, you are first. If you are second, you are nothing.” </em></p></blockquote>
<p>Pele’s famous word epitomize Brazil’s dominance throughout the world’s game. The Brazilians try their hardest to win, and when they don’t, they don’t take it well.</p>
<p>It’s no secret that Brazil is a soccer nation. With so many players coming out of the large country, one wonders why Brazil churns out so much world-class talent.</p>
<p>Many Brazilians joked that soccer is their second religion. But, in reality, it is not too far off from the truth.</p>
<p>Exposure to a significant amount of soccer makes you want to play more often. Brazil bleeds the familiar yellow and blue jerseys of the Brazilian soccer team. It has seen more and more success as it becomes more and more popular.</p>
<p>A heavy emphasis on futsal could also be why Brazil has so many talented players. Futsal, an indoor and smaller version of soccer. It prioritizes ball control, quick bursts of passing and creativity. The sport holds a special place in the culture of Brazil.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, part of the reason for its heightened popularity comes from the impoverished public in Brazil. <a href="https:\/\/borgenproject.org/tag/poverty-in-brazil/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Millions of Brazilians live in Favelas</a>, the slums of major cities like Rio de Janeiro, <span>São Paulo and </span>Ceilândia. The lack of development due to wealth imbalance contributes to the youth learning to play in tight areas on roads, concrete or dirt. Even then, young stars in Brazil make the most of their time. They develop fast reflexes, stunning balance, eye-opening ball-control, and dexterousness with the ball through the air.</p>
<p>Neymar is the perfect example of that. His rainbow flicks, body feints, and elasticos are a staple of his soccer style that much of Brazil replicates.</p>
<h3>Brazil’s dominance across club competitions</h3>
<p>Most soccer fans lament the ‘woeful’ Brazilian league. A young, albeit ill-prepared, Brazilian phenom leaves home to play for one of Europe’s best clubs. What happens next is unpredictable. Some, like Neymar from Santos and Vinicius Jr. from Flamengo, turn out to be world-class. Others erase themselves from the history book thanks to their sheer mediocrity. It is certainly a gamble, but clubs take that risk with a number of success stories.</p>
<div id="attachment_355622" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><div><figure class="image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-355622" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-355622 size-medium" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20211110_WST_355562_Neymar-against-Croatia-1-300x184.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=184" alt="" width="300" height="184" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Neymar-against-Croatia-1-300x184.jpg 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Neymar-against-Croatia-1-600x367.jpg 600w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Neymar-against-Croatia-1-150x92.jpg 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Neymar-against-Croatia-1-768x470.jpg 768w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Neymar-against-Croatia-1-223x137.jpg 223w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Neymar-against-Croatia-1.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-355622" class="wp-caption-text">Neymar takes on two Croatian defenders in the 2014 World Cup.</p></div>
<p>Furthermore, no country has more players in foreign leagues than Brazil. In 2019, <a href="https:\/\/www.statista.com/statistics/1080755/foreign-players-european-soccer-nation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">466 Brazilians played in European competition</a>. That is more than any other country in terms of having players outside of their country of origin.</p>
<p>Brazil has a wealth of home-grown players to rely on at the club level, regardless of how many wunderkinds leave for Europe. Only 11% of soccer players playing in the Brazilian Serie A are foreigners. 64% of players playing in the English Premier League aren’t English. Spain (41%), the United States (57%), Mexico (41%) aren’t far off from the English.</p>
<h5><span>Brasileirão Série A</span></h5>
<p>The percentage numbers that the <span>Brasileirão Série A </span>has are the norm for South American soccer leagues. What separates the Brazilians from the rest of South America is the commitment and sheer number of Brazilians that go through the youth academies every day.</p>
<p>Now through the years, there has been another narrative. Veteran Brazilians have returned to their homelands to mentor young players. Diego Costa, Hulk, and Willian are examples of this.</p>
<p>When they do, it’s a win-win situation. The veterans are closer to their families, mentor the youth, and enjoy a stress-free time away from global media. The young players receive valuable input from the vets while also competing with some of the best players the world has ever seen.</p>
<p>The Brazilian Serie A also acts as a feeder league for Europe’s elite. Due to Brazil’s volatile economy, Brazil’s sides must resort to selling their most skilled youth to EPL, LaLiga and Serie A so they can fend off bankruptcy. Yet, we could be rocketing towards an era like the heydays of the Brazilian Serie A. As Brazil’s economy, carried by coffee profits, continues to improve, so will the status of Brazilian clubs everywhere.</p>
<h5>South American Competition</h5>
<p>We can look at the Copa Libertadores records to attest to the strength of Brazilian leagues. Although the Argentine teams <a href="https:\/\/interestingfootball.com/list-of-copa-libertadores-all-time-winners-most-successful-teams/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">claim the most titles</a>, Brazil’s dominance slipped in the Final, but teams from the nation do have the most appearances in championship games. In the Copa Sudamericana, they are second, only behind Argentina, in club titles.</p>
<p>Brazil’s dominance is even more clear in the Copa Libertadores Femenina. The Brazilians won the competition nine times in twelve years, a staggering number. World-class players like Barbara, Cristiane, Beatriz, and Formiga all dominated the continental competition.</p>
<h3>Is Brazil Better Than England?</h3>
<p>England lays claim as being the home of the sport at large. However, Brazil might do it best, at least compared to their English counterparts.</p>
<p>It’s also a good marker for the FA and CBF to judge the progress of the competitions and leagues they create.</p>
<p>The Brazilians played England 26 times. The South American side has 11 wins, 11 draws and just four losses. The Brazilians’ sheer enthusiasm for soccer, their unique approach to the game and their massive population aids the <em>Canarinho’s</em> case in the matchup.</p>
<p>But, with club soccer, the odds are more tilted towards the English. Of course, the European game dominates the club side of the sport. Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and more are make significant leaps in quality each year.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Brazil falls behind. The English have top-tier facilities, an endless amount of money, and youth academies that help develop players. The Brazilians may challenge the English in terms of youth development, but first-team production is not close across the league.</p>
<p>But, significant advancements are being made. With the emergence of more talent and funds, there is a newfound hope for Brazilian club soccer. As for the <span>Seleção</span>, things can only get better for the star-studded roster.</p>
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Brazil's dominance in the soccer world transcends continents. Consistently great talents make the nation one of the best for the sport.

Breaking down Brazil's dominance in world soccer - World Soccer Talk

Breaking down Brazil's dominance in world soccer

<p>CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying is perhaps the most exciting path to get to the World Cup. Argentina and Brazil certainly expect to qualify out of the 10-team round-robin phase. Still, there are no easy games in South America when the World Cup is on the line.</p>



<p>The passion, drama and flair in CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying is seldom seen in the other confederations. Some of that can be attributed to the format of qualification, which differs from that of anywhere else.</p>



<h3>CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying format</h3>



<p>Due to the small number of nations in South America, the tournament involves every country. The only exceptions are the small nations on the northern coast: Suriname, Guyana and French Guiana. Those three nations compete in CONCACAF.</p>



<p>Therefore, the double round-robin tournament involves 10 teams that play a home and away match against the other nine opponents.</p>



<p>Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Uruguay, Paraguay, Peru, Venezuela, Bolivia and Chile play a total of 18 games each.</p>



<p>These games occur over the years leading up to a World Cup.</p>



<p>Traditionally, that time span lasts from the October two years before the World Cup, and ends the October before the World Cup.</p>



<p>In the case of 2026 qualifying, the tournament started in September 2023 – the first 2026 qualifiers to kick off. The grueling contest will end in September 2025.</p>



<p>In terms of play, the rules align significantly with other federations. Three points for a win, one point for a draw and zero points for a loss. </p>



<p>As the World Cup has expanded to 48 teams in 2026, South America has been given additional spots in the tournament. The top six teams in qualification will automatically go on to the World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada. Seventh place will go to the inter-confederation playoffs for another chance. </p>



<p>The fifth-placed team plays another country from a different federation in a two-leg playoff for a World Cup spot.</p>



<p>While other federations change their qualifying structure, the federation began using CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying ahead of the 1998 World Cup.</p>



<p>No one argues with the results and the storylines that develop each season during qualifying.</p>



<h2>Where to find CONMEBOL Qualifiers on TV</h2>



<p>Despite the region including some of the most talented and popular national teams on the planet, these high-stakes games aren’t the easiest to find.</p>



<p>As of Fall 2023, games in the current cycle have mostly only been available on a pay-per-view basis through Fanatiz.</p>



<p>Select games are televised on Telemundo and streamed on ViX. Meanwhile Bolivia’s home games have been streamed on FIFA+. </p>



<h3>Unbridled Passion</h3>



<p>European soccer is intense. But, it looks tame compared to the scenes that unfold seemingly each matchday during CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying.</p>



<p>For one, there are a number of rivalries between these countries in CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying. Everyone looks to <a href="https://en.as.com/en/2021/07/10/soccer/1625895959_600981.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Argentina and Brazil</a>, the two most dominant South American sides on the world stage. Still, rivalries between <a href="https://www.90min.com/posts/brazil-vs-uruguay-south-america-s-other-huge-international-rivalry-01e6xqebjdss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brazil and Uruguay</a>, <a href="http://www.owlapps.net/owlapps_apps/articles?id=12717552&amp;lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chile and Peru</a> and <a href="https://www.11v11.com/teams/colombia/tab/opposingTeams/opposition/Venezuela/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Colombia and Venezuela</a> provide action every matchday.</p>



<p>The beauty of all these rivalries means that there is a certain level of parity in South American qualifiers. For example, Peru qualified for the 2018 World Cup via a playoff victory over New Zealand. The win signaled the Peruvians’ first World Cup venture since 1982 in Spain. A <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGXAwE5Rtvs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">raucous Estadio Nacional</a> saw the history unfold in Peru’s capital city, Lima.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image size-medium wp-image-343144"><figure class="alignright"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="300" height="428" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20211001_CMS_347655_Lionel-Messi-300x428_778732f2.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=428" alt="" class="wp-image-343144" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/08/Lionel-Messi-300x428.jpeg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/08/Lionel-Messi-600x856.jpeg 600w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/08/Lionel-Messi-150x214.jpeg 150w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/08/Lionel-Messi.jpeg 701w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure><figcaption>Lionel Messi is the top goal-scorer in South American international history</figcaption></figure></div>



<p>Also for the 2018 World Cup, Lionel Messi’s Argentina almost missed qualification. Fortunately for <i>La Albiceleste,&nbsp;</i>Lionel Messi’s hat trick in the final game against Ecuador sealed a trip to Russia.</p>



<p>Prior to that, in 2010, four teams finished within two points of each other vying for the intercontinental playoff spot.</p>



<p>Every game appears to be a sell-out in the stadium. Consequently, home field plays a massive role throughout the tournament. The differing elevations throughout South American stadiums compound this.</p>



<p>There is no easy place to play in South America, making CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying perhaps the most grueling route to the World Cup.</p>



<h3>CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying</h3>



<p><em>All times Eastern United States timezone</em><br>&nbsp;</p>


<div class="stvs-grid" id="league-317298-all-America/New_York"></div><div class="wst-home-matches"></div>



<p>What questions do you have about CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying? Let us know in the comments section below.</p>

How to watch CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying

Read our guide on CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying games available to viewers in the United States of America.

How to watch CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying - World Soccer Talk

<p>CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying is perhaps the most exciting path to get to the World Cup. Argentina and Brazil certainly expect to qualify out of the 10-team round-robin phase. Still, there are no easy games in South America when the World Cup is on the line.</p>



<p>The passion, drama and flair in CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying is seldom seen in the other confederations. Some of that can be attributed to the format of qualification, which differs from that of anywhere else.</p>



<h3>CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying format</h3>



<p>Due to the small number of nations in South America, the tournament involves every country. The only exceptions are the small nations on the northern coast: Suriname, Guyana and French Guiana. Those three nations compete in CONCACAF.</p>



<p>Therefore, the double round-robin tournament involves 10 teams that play a home and away match against the other nine opponents.</p>



<p>Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Uruguay, Paraguay, Peru, Venezuela, Bolivia and Chile play a total of 18 games each.</p>



<p>These games occur over the years leading up to a World Cup.</p>



<p>Traditionally, that time span lasts from the October two years before the World Cup, and ends the October before the World Cup.</p>



<p>In the case of 2026 qualifying, the tournament started in September 2023 – the first 2026 qualifiers to kick off. The grueling contest will end in September 2025.</p>



<p>In terms of play, the rules align significantly with other federations. Three points for a win, one point for a draw and zero points for a loss. </p>



<p>As the World Cup has expanded to 48 teams in 2026, South America has been given additional spots in the tournament. The top six teams in qualification will automatically go on to the World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada. Seventh place will go to the inter-confederation playoffs for another chance. </p>



<p>The fifth-placed team plays another country from a different federation in a two-leg playoff for a World Cup spot.</p>



<p>While other federations change their qualifying structure, the federation began using CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying ahead of the 1998 World Cup.</p>



<p>No one argues with the results and the storylines that develop each season during qualifying.</p>



<h2>Where to find CONMEBOL Qualifiers on TV</h2>



<p>Despite the region including some of the most talented and popular national teams on the planet, these high-stakes games aren’t the easiest to find.</p>



<p>As of Fall 2023, games in the current cycle have mostly only been available on a pay-per-view basis through Fanatiz.</p>



<p>Select games are televised on Telemundo and streamed on ViX. Meanwhile Bolivia’s home games have been streamed on FIFA+. </p>



<h3>Unbridled Passion</h3>



<p>European soccer is intense. But, it looks tame compared to the scenes that unfold seemingly each matchday during CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying.</p>



<p>For one, there are a number of rivalries between these countries in CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying. Everyone looks to <a href="https://en.as.com/en/2021/07/10/soccer/1625895959_600981.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Argentina and Brazil</a>, the two most dominant South American sides on the world stage. Still, rivalries between <a href="https://www.90min.com/posts/brazil-vs-uruguay-south-america-s-other-huge-international-rivalry-01e6xqebjdss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brazil and Uruguay</a>, <a href="http://www.owlapps.net/owlapps_apps/articles?id=12717552&amp;lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chile and Peru</a> and <a href="https://www.11v11.com/teams/colombia/tab/opposingTeams/opposition/Venezuela/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Colombia and Venezuela</a> provide action every matchday.</p>



<p>The beauty of all these rivalries means that there is a certain level of parity in South American qualifiers. For example, Peru qualified for the 2018 World Cup via a playoff victory over New Zealand. The win signaled the Peruvians’ first World Cup venture since 1982 in Spain. A <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGXAwE5Rtvs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">raucous Estadio Nacional</a> saw the history unfold in Peru’s capital city, Lima.</p>



<p>Also for the 2018 World Cup, Lionel Messi’s Argentina almost missed qualification. Fortunately for <i>La Albiceleste,&nbsp;</i>Lionel Messi’s hat trick in the final game against Ecuador sealed a trip to Russia.</p>



<p>Prior to that, in 2010, four teams finished within two points of each other vying for the intercontinental playoff spot.</p>



<p>Every game appears to be a sell-out in the stadium. Consequently, home field plays a massive role throughout the tournament. The differing elevations throughout South American stadiums compound this.</p>



<p>There is no easy place to play in South America, making CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying perhaps the most grueling route to the World Cup.</p>



<p>What questions do you have about CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying? Let us know in the comments section below.</p>

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CONMEBOL

How to watch CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying