Listed below are the dates and results for the 1978 FIFA World Cup qualification rounds for the South American Zone (CONMEBOL). For an overview of the qualification rounds, see the article 1978 FIFA World Cup qualification.
A total of 10 CONMEBOL teams entered the competition. The South American zone was allocated 3.5 places (out of 16) in the final tournament. Argentina, the hosts, qualified automatically, leaving 2.5 spots open for competition between 9 teams.
There would be two rounds of play:
Brazil advanced to the Final Round.
Bolivia advanced to the Final Round.
Peru advanced to the Final Round.
Brazil and Peru qualified.Bolivia advanced to the UEFA / CONMEBOL Intercontinental Play-off.
The following three teams from CONMEBOL qualified for the final tournament.
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Oviedo Mezza Toninho Cerezo Marcelo Oliveira Rivellino
Sergio Ahumada Osvaldo Castro Miguel Ángel Gamboa
Eduardo Vilarete
José Fabián Paz y Miño
Carlos José Báez
Alejandro Luces Juan José Muñante Percy Rojas Hugo Sotil
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Vicente Flores Rafael Iriarte Windsor del Llano (playing against Hungary) José Domingo Insfrán (playing against Brazil)