Argentina is set to face Brazil in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying match in Buenos Aires. The World Cup champions are leading the qualifying group and could secure their spot in the next tournament with a victory against their rivals. Argentina currently tops the group standings with 28 points after 13 matches, while Brazil is in third place with 21 points. In the South American qualifiers, all ten teams play each other twice. Due to the expanded 48-team World Cup format, CONMEBOL has been granted six direct qualification spots, with a seventh team having a chance to qualify through inter-confederation playoffs.
Argentinian coach Lionel Scaloni praised his team`s performance in their 1-0 victory against Uruguay, achieved without Lionel Messi, who is currently injured. Scaloni also addressed comments made by Brazilian player Raphinha before the match. The Barcelona winger had stated he would score and “thrash” Argentina on and off the field.
Scaloni expressed disappointment with Raphinha`s remarks, saying, “An Argentina-Brazil game is important, but it`s still just football. It shouldn`t go further than that.” He recalled the image of Messi and Neymar as friends after the 2021 Copa America final, emphasizing that their rivalry should be respectful. “We all want to win and be competitive on the field, but we can be friends off it. Many of us have Brazilian friends, and it should remain just a sporting rivalry.”
Match Details and Odds
- Date: Tuesday, Mar. 25
- Location: Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Live stream: Vix
- Odds: Argentina +120; Draw +205; Brazil +255
Messi`s Absence
Lionel Messi is not playing for Argentina in the World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil due to a minor adductor muscle injury sustained in a match for Inter Miami on March 16. Despite initially being included in the provisional squad, coach Scaloni decided to exclude him to prevent further injury.
Historical Matchups
Argentina and Brazil have a long history, having played 109 times. Brazil has won 45 matches, Argentina 41, and 23 ended in draws. In their most recent encounter in November 2023 for the World Cup qualifiers, Argentina won 1-0 with a goal from Nicolas Otamendi. This was Argentina`s third victory in their last five meetings against Brazil, including the 2021 Copa America final.
Projected Starting Lineups
Argentina (Possible XI): Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Mac Allister; Simeone, Fernandez, Almada; Alvarez.
Brazil (Possible XI): Bento; Vanderson, Marquinhos, Ortiz, Arana; Joelinton, Andre, Rodrygo, Raphinha, Vinicius; Pedro.
Match Prediction
Argentina leads the World Cup qualifying standings, and a victory over Brazil could solidify their World Cup qualification. Predicted Score: Argentina 1, Brazil 1.
Dominic Ashworth