Listed below are the dates and results for the 1978 FIFA World Cup qualification rounds for the South American Zone (CONMEBOL).

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.

Bolivia advanced to the UEFA / CONMEBOL Intercontinental Play-off.

The following three teams from CONMEBOL qualified for the final tournament.