Argentina vs Colombia and all the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers on February 1, 2022

Topics: TV Schedules, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Uruguay, Ecuador, World Cup Qualifying

Ecuador and Peru lock horns in a crucial qualifier while Colombia visit Argentina needing nothing but a win.

The international break rambles on, with CONMEBOL offering fans another round of exciting FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The likes of Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, Uruguay, and Chile will all take to the field to do battle in what is now becoming a heated race.

Only two nations have booked their tickets to Qatar 2022 while others are fighting for their lives to remain in the race. Ecuador and Peru are in the driving seat to secure automatic qualification, hence the importance of their showdown on Tuesday, but that's not the only interesting game set to take place. Here's everything you need to know about Matchday 16 of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers.

The CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers standings ahead of Matchday 16

CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Colombia, Ecuador

Top games to watch

Argentina vs Colombia: Besides their unbeaten run, La Albiceleste have little on the line for this upcoming fixture, having already secured their ticket to Qatar 2022. Lionel Scaloni's side, however, have been dealing with injuries, suspensions, and a COVID-19 outbreak, with the gaffer himself missing their recent qualifier, the 2-1 win over Chile, after contracting the virus. Colombia, on the other hand, need nothing but a victory. Los Cafeteros find themselves in sixth, two points behind fifth-placed Uruguay, with only three rounds left. Their recent 1-0 loss to Peru saw them drop out of the automatic qualification and playoff spots. Fourth-placed Peru sit three points ahead and while nothing will be decided in this round, Reinaldo Rueda's side cannot afford to lose further ground.

Brazil vs Paraguay: After an eventful draw with Ecuador, the Selecao will look to return to winning ways when they take on Paraguay in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers. Brazil are one of two nations to have already secured progression, with Tite's men sitting top of the table with an unbeaten record. As for Paraguay, while they are not mathematically out of the race to make it to Qatar 2022, the odds of them qualifying are zero. La Albirroja are second from bottom with only 13 points to their name. Nonetheless, there is honor in bringing Brazil's unbeaten run to an end.

Peru vs Ecuador: This is the fixture with the most interesting storyline. Ecuador, after their eventful 1-1 draw with Brazil, stretched their unbeaten run to four games. With 24 points to their name, La Tricolor are in third and are in pole position to join Brazil and Argentina at Qatar 2022. Victory over Peru will not guarantee their spot in the upcoming World Cup but it would make finishing outside the top five impossible, meaning at the very least, Gustavo Alfaro's side will earn a playoff berth. Unfortunately for them, they take on a Peru side in great form. La Blanquirroja have won their last three qualifiers, the most recent being a 1-0 triumph over Colombia, a result which saw Ricardo Gareca's side jump up to fourth in the table. Fifth-placed Uruguay are only a point behind while sixth-placed Colombia trail by only three, hence the importance of winning this trip to Ecuador. Don't miss this showdown.

Who's in and who's out?

Argentina: Lionel Messi (not called up); Alexis Mac Allister (doubtful); Nicolas Tagliafico, Rodrigo de Paul, Leandro Paredes, and Nicolas Otamendi (all suspended)

Colombia: Yerry Mina (suspended)

Brazil: Neymar (not called up); Emerson Royal and Eder Militao (both suspended)

Uruguay: Diego Godin (doubtful); Matias Vecino (suspended)

Chile: Claudio Bravo, Francisco Sierralta, and Jean Meneses (all injured); Sebastian Vegas, Guillermo Maripan, and Erick Pulgar (suspended)

Ecuador: Dominguez and Enner Valencia (both suspended)

Peru: Pedro Aquino (injury); Aldo Corzo and Christian Cueva (both suspended)