Greetings! The international men`s break concluded dramatically on Tuesday with Argentina`s resounding victory against Brazil. Meanwhile, the US Women`s National Team is preparing for their upcoming international matches with the announcement of their squad. I`m Pardeep Cattry, bringing you the latest updates.
Match Highlights
Argentina`s Four-Goal Performance Against Brazil
Despite playing without Lionel Messi, Argentina, the current world champions, secured a convincing 4-1 win against Brazil on Tuesday, simultaneously confirming their qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez put Argentina ahead with a 2-0 lead within the first 12 minutes. Although Matheus Cunha narrowed the gap with a goal in the 26th minute, further goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Giuliano Simeone ensured a dominant victory for the home side.
Argentina finishes this international break with an eight-point advantage over second-placed Ecuador and has qualified for the World Cup with five games remaining, highlighting their successful qualifying campaign. While Messi is the top scorer in CONMEBOL qualifying with six goals, coach Lionel Scaloni has effectively tested the team`s capabilities without the 37-year-old star. Tuesday`s win exemplified these efforts, demonstrating the team`s depth, as noted by Chuck Booth.
- Booth commented: `Argentina showcased their strength in depth, overcoming the absence of both Messi and striker Lautaro Martinez, who withdrew due to injury. Players like Alvarez and Fernandez remembered Martinez by imitating his celebration after scoring, emphasizing the team`s collective effort. Each of their four goals was scored by a different player. While some goals resulted from Brazilian defensive errors, these were partly caused by Argentina`s fluid passing game, which even allowed left-back Nicolas Tagliafico to contribute with an assist.`
Brazil concludes the month in fourth place, within the automatic qualification spots for the 2026 World Cup. They are six points ahead of Venezuela in seventh place, which is a playoff spot, and seven points ahead of Bolivia in eighth place, making their qualification still likely. However, their performance in the tournament remains uncertain. Despite their attacking talent, including Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Raphinha in the starting lineup on Tuesday, they only managed three shots against Argentina, with Cunha`s goal being their only shot on target.
Argentina is among the first four non-host nations to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, along with Japan, New Zealand, and Iran, all securing their spots during this international break. Currently, 41 spots are still available for the expanded 48-team World Cup.
Team Updates
Rodman Rejoins USWNT Squad
Trinity Rodman is set to rejoin the US Women`s National Team for the first time since last summer`s Olympic Games, joining the team for friendlies against Brazil next month. She is one of the more experienced players in a squad that features many new faces, as head coach Emma Hayes continues to experiment in the lead-up to the 2027 Women`s World Cup.
Here is the full roster:
- Goalkeepers (3): Jane Campbell (Houston Dash), Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals), Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United)
- Defenders (8): Alana Cook (Kansas City Current), Tierna Davidson (Gotham FC), Crystal Dunn (Paris Saint-Germain), Emily Fox (Arsenal FC, Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash), Emily Sams (Orlando Pride), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC)
- Midfielders (6): Korbin Albert (Paris Saint-Germain), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC), Lindsey Heaps (Olympique Lyon), Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current), Jaedyn Shaw (North Carolina Courage), Lily Yohannes (Ajax)
- Forwards (7): Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current), Ashley Hatch (Washington Spirit), Catarina Macario (Chelsea FC, ENG), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Yazmeen Ryan (Houston Dash), Ally Sentnor (Utah Royals), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City FC)
Hayes will work with 11 players who have fewer than 10 international appearances, including goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce and defender Avery Patterson, who could make their international debuts during this camp. Defender Alana Cook and forward Ashley Hatch might also play their first minutes under Hayes, reflecting the coach`s ongoing effort to broaden the player pool. This effort includes collaboration with the U-23 USWNT, who will hold a camp concurrently with the senior team, similar to the Futures camp in January.
As Hayes continues to test new players and strategies, the goalkeeper position remains a key area of focus following Alyssa Naeher`s retirement at the end of 2024. Hayes has maintained the group from the SheBelieves Cup and indicated that she aims to finalize her choice for the USWNT`s new starting goalkeeper by June. This puts pressure on the goalkeepers to perform well both at their clubs and with the national team to seize their opportunity.
- Hayes stated: `Regarding the goalkeepers competing for the position, even when Alyssa [Naeher] became the undisputed number one, it took time to solidify. We have several high-quality goalkeepers. Who will emerge as number one is still undecided, but they must take their chances. This is a performance-driven environment, and every opportunity is crucial for my decision-making. There will be further changes in goal during this camp.`
The USWNT will first play Brazil on April 5 at SoFi Stadium, followed by a second match against Brazil, the 2027 World Cup hosts, on April 8 at PayPal Park in San Jose.
Additional News
Top Soccer Headlines
- USWNT`s experience gap: USWNT coach Emma Hayes detailed her plans to bridge the experience gap between veteran and new players, including establishing a leadership council and conducting special exercises during camp.
- Introducing Boston Legacy: Boston`s new NWSL team will be named Boston Legacy FC, changing from their initial name BOS Nation FC announced last fall.
- Alexander-Arnold to Madrid: Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to join Real Madrid when his Liverpool contract expires, a move seen as a good fit for both player and club.
- Davies ACL injury: Canada`s Alphonso Davies tore his ACL in a match against the USMNT, sidelining him for six months.
- Banda faces hateful abuse: Orlando Pride`s Barbra Banda was subjected to hateful language during a game, with support expressed by teams and the NWSL.
- USMNT review: Some USMNT players` performances have been critically assessed, making the upcoming Gold Cup important for impressing before the 2026 World Cup.
- England continues winning streak: England secured another win under Thomas Tuchel, maintaining a perfect start in World Cup qualifying.
- Teams of the week: Debhinha and Kelvin Yeboah were recognized in NWSL and MLS teams of the week, respectively.
- Juventus` situation: An explanation of the current situation at Juventus following managerial changes.
- Open Cup on TV: CBS Sports will broadcast the U.S. Open Cup through 2026.
Betting Insight
Best Bets
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UEFA Women`s Champions League: Arsenal vs. Real Madrid, Wednesday, 4 p.m.
RECOMMENDATION: Under three goals scored (+115) – Arsenal needs to overcome a 2-0 deficit from the first leg against Real Madrid. The game is anticipated to be tightly contested with potential for fewer than three goals.
Dominic Ashworth