BUENOS AIRES, March 27, 2025: Defending champions Argentina had to delay their celebrations after securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, ahead of their match against Brazil.
Bolivia’s failure to defeat Uruguay ensured that Argentina had enough of a cushion in South American qualifying to secure one of the six direct spots for the 48-team World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico next year.
Following Bolivia's 0-0 draw with Uruguay at El Alto, Argentina triumphed over Brazil 4-1 in front of 85,000 fans at the Monumental de Núñez Stadium, despite the absence of Lionel Messi.
Brazil’s heaviest defeat in South American World Cup qualifying history put additional pressure on coach Dorival Junior, who took over in January of the previous year.
Brazil currently sit in fourth place in South American qualifying with 21 points, 10 behind Argentina but only two behind second-place Ecuador, which was held to a 0-0 draw by Chile. Third-place Uruguay and fifth-place Paraguay also have 21 points, while Colombia trails by one point in sixth. Seventh-place Venezuela now has 15 points after a 1-0 win over 9th-place Peru.
Brazil were missing three regular starters—goalkeeper Alisson, defender Gabriel Magalhães, and midfielder Bruno Guimarães—and were unable to compete effectively from start to finish.
This marks the first time Argentina has won both of their qualifying matches against Brazil in a World Cup tournament. The home victory was also their first against Brazil since the 2006 World Cup qualifiers.
Argentina have dominated South American qualifying from the start, with few setbacks and major away victories in Brazil and Uruguay. However, coach Lionel Scaloni has left 37-year-old Messi out of several matches, raising questions about whether the star will feature in next year's World Cup.
Messi, who is nursing an adductor injury, was not included in Argentina’s squad for the recent games.
ARGENTINE EXUBERANCE, BRAZILIAN FRUSTRATION
Argentina scored twice in the first 12 minutes, thanks to sharp passing and some defensive errors from Brazil.
Julian Alvarez opened the scoring in the 4th minute after Marquinhos, Murillo, and Guilherme Arana failed to clear the ball. Alvarez fired past goalkeeper Bento from close range.
Just eight minutes later, Argentina doubled their lead with Enzo Fernandez scoring from close range after a low cross by Gonzalo Molina.
Brazil pulled one back in the 26th minute through Matheus Cunha after a mistake by Cristian Romero, who lost the ball near the edge of the box. Eleven minutes later, Enzo Fernandez set up Alexis Mac Allister, who was unmarked in the box to make it 3-1 for Argentina.
At halftime, Brazil tried to regain control by strengthening their midfield with Joao Gomes and substituting Murillo and striker Rodrygo. However, it was in vain as Giuliano Simeone added a fourth for Argentina in the 71st minute.
“We all need to do better than this. It’s not just about Dorival,” said Brazil captain Marquinhos. “This isn’t only the coach’s fault; the players are also to blame. We need to get our heads in the right place. They (Argentina) faced challenges before and overcame them. We can do the same.”