Argentina is set to host Brazil in Buenos Aires this Tuesday in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying match. The reigning World Cup champions, Argentina, aim to secure their qualification against their long-standing rivals. Leading the group with 28 points after 13 games, Argentina is in a strong position, while Brazil currently sits third with 21 points. In the South American qualifiers, each of the ten teams plays each other twice. With the expanded World Cup format, CONMEBOL now has six direct qualification spots, and the seventh-placed team can compete in inter-confederation playoffs for another spot.
Argentina`s coach, Lionel Scaloni, lauded his team`s performance in their recent 1-0 victory against Uruguay, achieved without Lionel Messi, who is currently recovering from an injury. Scaloni also addressed comments made by Brazilian player Raphinha before the game. The winger had stated his intention to score and confidently declared they would defeat Argentina on and off the field.
Scaloni expressed his disappointment with Raphinha`s remarks, emphasizing that while Argentina-Brazil matches are significant, they are ultimately just football games. He recalled the image of Messi and Neymar`s friendly interaction after the 2021 Copa America final as the true representation of their rivalry – top players who are friends off the pitch despite their on-field competition. Scaloni highlighted the common friendships between Argentinians and Brazilians, stressing that the rivalry should remain within the spirit of the game.
Match Details
- Date: Tuesday, Mar. 25
- Location: Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha — Buenos Aires, Argentina
Messi`s Absence
Lionel Messi is absent from the Argentina squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil due to a minor adductor muscle injury sustained during a match for Inter Miami on March 16. Despite initially being included in the provisional squad, Scaloni decided to exclude him to prevent further injury complications.
Previous Encounter
Argentina and Brazil have a rich history, having played 109 times. Brazil leads with 45 wins to Argentina`s 41, with 23 draws. In their most recent match in November 2023 for the current World Cup qualifiers, Argentina secured a victory thanks to a goal from Nicolas Otamendi. Argentina has won three of the last five encounters, including the 2021 Copa America final.
Projected Starting Lineups
Possible Argentina XI: Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Mac Allister; Simeone, Fernandez, Almada; Alvarez.
Possible Brazil XI: Bento; Vanderson, Marquinhos, Ortiz, Arana; Joelinton, Andre, Rodrygo, Raphinha, Vinicius; Pedro.
Match Prediction
Argentina currently leads the World Cup qualifying group, and a victory over Brazil could significantly boost their chances of World Cup qualification.
Prediction: Argentina 1, Brazil 1.
