Match Preview
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Argentina’s Strong Qualification Start
As we delve into Matchday 6 of the CONMEBOL qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Argentina stands tall at the top of the standings. Winning four out of five qualifiers, Lionel Scaloni’s side displayed dominance until their recent stumble against Uruguay, resulting in a 2-0 defeat in Buenos Aires.
Defensive Setback
This loss marked the first time Argentina conceded in five matches, breaking a streak of four clean sheets against Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Peru. The goals from Ronald Araújo and Darwin Núñez for Uruguay posed a challenge for Marcelo Bielsa’s squad.
Brazil’s Struggles
While Argentina eyes qualification for the 2026 finals to defend their 2022 crown, the scenario is less promising for Brazil. Positioned in fifth place with seven points from five games, Brazil faces the risk of dropping further down the qualification table. The top six nations secure direct spots, and the seventh-place team contends in an inter-confederation playoff tie.
Recent Setback
Brazil’s woes were compounded by a recent 2-1 loss to Colombia, despite initially leading in Colombia thanks to Gabriel Martinelli’s first international goal. A late Luis Díaz double turned the tables, and the absence of Vinícius Júnior, sidelined due to a hamstring injury, adds to Brazil’s challenges.
Scoring Responsibility
With key players like Neymar and Vinícius Júnior unavailable, the responsibility to score for Brazil may fall on the shoulders of Martinelli and Real Madrid’s Rodrygo. Brighton’s João Pedro, who made his full international debut in the defeat to Colombia, could potentially make his first start.
Possession and Passing Prowess
This anticipated clash features two South American sides comfortable in possession, with Argentina (67.2%) and Brazil (66.4%) standing out as the only CONMEBOL teams averaging at least 60% possession in the qualifiers. Both teams also boast impressive passing statistics, with Argentina averaging 556 successful passes per game and Brazil with 524, leaving them well ahead of the competition in this regard.
Defensive Strength of Argentina
Despite Brazil’s offensive challenges, Argentina faces a formidable defensive task. If Argentina manages to keep a clean sheet in this match, it would mark the first time they have shut out opponents in three consecutive away games across World Cup qualification.
Defensive Record
Argentina’s defensive prowess is evident in their performance across the opening five qualifiers. The current world champions have allowed just 25 shots worth 1.67 expected goals, showcasing a defensive resilience surpassing any other South American nation in qualification for the 2026 finals.
Brazil vs Argentina Head-to-Head
Brazil’s Home Advantage
In the head-to-head history of World Cup qualifiers, Brazil has never lost to Argentina on home turf. Winning three and drawing one of their four previous meetings in the competition, Brazil has maintained a stronghold in home qualifiers against their arch-rivals.
Goalkeeping Dominance
Adding to Brazil’s historical advantage, they haven’t conceded a goal in a home qualifier versus Argentina since June 2004, highlighting a longstanding defensive dominance.
Recent Encounters
The most recent encounter between these two football powerhouses ended in a 0-0 draw, securing Argentina’s qualification for the 2022 World Cup. However, Brazil’s last victory over Argentina was in the Copa America 2019 semi-final, where goals from Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino propelled them to victory.
Messi’s Quest for Goals
Lionel Messi, Argentina’s talisman, seeks to add to his impressive tally of 106 international goals across 179 caps. Despite scoring five goals against Brazil in international matches, including a memorable hat-trick in 2012, he has never scored a competitive goal against them.
Brazil vs Argentina Prediction
Home Advantage for Brazil
Considering Brazil’s historical success in home qualifiers against Argentina, they enter this match as clear favorites. The absence of key players, including Vinícius Júnior, adds to Brazil’s challenges.
Predicted Outcome
The prediction leans towards more success for Brazil in this crucial qualifier. The home advantage, coupled with Argentina’s recent defensive vulnerability against Uruguay, makes Brazil the likely victor.
Argentina’s Opportunity
However, a draw would be seen as a positive result for Argentina, especially considering the injury issues plaguing the Brazilian squad. This match might represent Argentina’s best chance to secure a historic win on Brazilian soil.
Squads
Brazil
- Goalkeepers: Alisson, Lucas Perri, Bento
- Defenders: Emerson Royal, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Renan Lodi, Nino, Bremer, Carlos Augusto, André
- Midfielders: Bruno Guimarães, Douglas Luiz, Joelinton, Raphael Veiga, Vinícius Júnior, João Pedro, Rodrygo, Raphinha, Pepê, Paulinho, Endrick
- Forwards: Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus
Argentina
- Goalkeepers: Franco Armani, Walter Benítez, Emiliano Martínez, Juan Musso
- Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Nicolás Tagliafico, Gonzalo Montiel, Germán Pezzella, Marcos Acuña, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Lucas Martínez Quarta, Pablo Maffeo, Francisco Ortega
- Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Enzo Fernández, Guido Rodríguez, Alexis Mac Allister
- Forwards: Julián Álvarez, Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María, Nicolás González, Paulo Dybala, Lautaro Martinez, Lucas Ocampos
Where to Watch Brazil vs Argentina: CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers live in India
Catch the live action of the Brazil vs Argentina clash in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers on FanCode. The much-anticipated match is scheduled to kick off at 6:00 AM IST on Wednesday. Don’t miss the thrilling encounter as these football powerhouses battle it out for supremacy. Tune in to FanCode for an immersive streaming experience and witness the drama unfold on the field. The Brazil vs Argentina football match will not be broadcast on any television channel in India.
