Messi-less Argentina to start WC qualifying against Ecuador

Image
Press Trust of India Luque (Paraguay)
Last Updated : Dec 17 2019 | 10:00 PM IST

Argentina will host Ecuador to start its South American World Cup qualifying campaign in March, and without the suspended Lionel Messi.

The draw on Tuesday at CONMEBOL put Bolivia in Argentina's path in the second round of qualifying. Messi will be eligible to play that match after his red card in the Copa America.

Brazil also received a comfortable launch, hosting Bolivia in the first round and visiting Peru in the second.

The biggest match of the first round will be between Uruguay and Chile.

South America's superclasico will take place in the sixth round in October, when Brazil hosts Argentina. Their second World Cup qualifier will be in September 2021.

The dates and venues were still to be decided.

South America holds four direct spots to the Qatar World Cup in 2022.

Each team plays home and away, a total of 18 matches.

The fifth-placed team in South America has a chance through a playoff against a team from another confederation.

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Dec 17 2019 | 10:00 PM IST

Next Story