All 10 countries in South America go into the qualification process for the 2022 World Cup with hopes of making it all the way through. The marathon format, with everyone playing everyone else home and away, was introduced in 1996, and it has allowed the weak to grow stronger. No one, at least at the start, is merely making up the numbers and every away game is a hazard. It is surely the most competitive qualification campaign on the planet. This time, though, the most competitive aspect has been the battle behind the scenes to ensure that the action gets underway on Thursday.
CONMEBOL's World Cup qualifying to begin with coronavirus, not football, the talking point
