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The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) is one of the six FIFA continental confederations. A confederation is the governing body for association football on each continent. Each confederation is part of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). CONMEBOL is the oldest of all the confederations, and the smallest, with only ten members.  

Whilst there may not be as many member countries as there are in other FIFA confederations, this group contains some seriously big hitters. One of the founder members, Brazil, is the only team to compete in every World Cup. They’re also the tournament’s most successful side to date, winning the World 5 times and being the losing finalist twice. 

 This confederation has amassed a total of ten World Cup wins between its members, accrued 22 Intercontinental Cups and accumulated two Olympic gold medals for football. CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers are also regarded as one of the ‘toughest in the world.’ This is due in part to the extreme change in climatic conditions throughout the continent and a plethora of passionate home fans. It’s also due to the fact that CONMEBOL is considered one of the strongest confederations in the world. 

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 It’s widely accepted that organised, association football was born out of England in 1863. So, it may seem surprising that the first ever FIFA confederation was formed in South America.  

 In 1916, the inaugural South-American Football Championship (now the Copa América) was taking place in Argentina. This event took place at the same time as the centenary celebration of the Argentine Declaration of Independence. Prior to the competition taking place, the four competing nations (Uruguay, Chile, Argentina and Brazil) gathered together to create a governing body to organise and administer the event. The momentum to form a confederation had been born, and on July 16th 1916, largely under the direction of the Uruguayan, Héctor Rivadavia Gómez, CONMEBOL was established. This motion was ratified on the 15th December, in Montevideo during the first ever Constitutional Congress.  

 CONMEBOL remained the sole FIFA  confederation until the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) was founded in 1954. 

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 The South American World Cup qualifiers are considered to be some of the toughest in the world. The sheer geographical spread of the CONMEBOL countries and the extreme changes in its climate mean teams can face severe challenges with variations in heat and weather.  

 CONMEBOL nations are eligible for 6 direct slots in the finals and one place in the inter-confederation play-off. 

 CONMEBOL nations have played a huge role in international football. Footballing giants Brazil and Argentina are both CONMEBOL nations. Brazil have won more World Cup trophies than any other team, with an enviable haul of five. Argentina have won three, ranking just behind Germany and Italy. Uruguay have won two. These footballing giants are ranked at the top of the leaderboard in terms of trophies, talent and history.  

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 It’s no secret that rivalries between South American nations run deep. Differing cultures and traditions impact on the continent’s footballing dynamics. As is true in many countries, football has woven itself tightly around and in between the nation’s political and social structures.  

 Argentina and Brazil nurture particularly contentious rivalries. Both contenders on the world stage, their clashes span nearly a century. Between 1925 and 1937 both teams refused to play in the Copa América competitions if the other side was competing. This was all due to a violent clash in a previous tournament. In many respects each side is influenced by similar traditions, arts and culture. But, these shared directions take different paths on the football field when old rivalries take over.  

Source Information: https://analyisport.com/insights/what-is-conmebol-south-america/