South America 2022 World Cup qualifiers take place despite COVID-19

While in many other parts of the world, the 2022 World Cup qualifiers were postponed to early 2021, South America was not, even though the COVID-19 pandemic was still complicated.

With 10 teams and the first leg, return, and South American regional qualifiers, it takes 18 matches to determine 4 direct tickets and 1 play-off ticket to Qatar. It was a long journey (until March 2022) and extremely stressful that no other area could match. It was even likened to a war.

That war was even more difficult when it had to take place during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, the starting point of this qualifying round in South America has also been delayed. The plan was scheduled by the Regional Football Federation (CONMEBOL) last March, before the Copa America in June.

However, due to COVID-19, both were unable to proceed. That is why, for South American teams, this is their first match in 2020. The last time they played was last November, in the international friendly series.

Brazil and Argentina both march at home in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers

In a pandemic situation, players moving from one country to another, from one continent to another would have to be quarantined, but according to the AP, CONMEBOL convinced most of the local authorities to dismantle Quarantine measures from players.

But the first series of the South American regional qualifiers will also be without many players. It was Chilean Mauricio Isla when he was told he was infected with COVID-19.

It was Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina because two of his teammates at the Napoli club were infected with the virus. Besides, Edinson Cavani has just signed with Manchester United but is quarantined in England.

Of course, there are still other top stars like Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez, James Rodriguez. However, they will have to play on an empty pitch like in Europe. In an area where the home field is a huge advantage, the absence of spectators will partly reduce the pressure on the visitors.