Argentina and Brazil renew their storied rivalry as they lock horns in a crucial World Cup qualifier at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. The reigning world champions have the opportunity to become the first South American team to book their spot in the 2026 World Cup. However, their arch-rivals will be eager to delay that confirmation and claim an important victory.
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Argentina vs Brazil: Preview
Argentina are yet to officially book their spot at next year’s World Cup, but their qualification is nearly guaranteed after a determined performance against Uruguay on Friday. Despite the absence of Lionel Messi due to injury, they secured a hard-fought victory, with Thiago Almada—currently on loan at Lyon from Botafogo—netting a stunning second-half strike in Montevideo to clinch a 1-0 win. The result ended Argentina’s three-game winless run in away World Cup qualifiers.
Sitting atop the South American qualification standings with a three-point advantage, Argentina have registered nine wins, one draw, and three losses across 13 fixtures. During this period, they have netted 22 goals while conceding just seven.
The reigning world champions now shift their focus to Tuesday’s highly anticipated clash against long-time rivals Brazil, aiming to extend their unbeaten streak in this fixture to five matches (W3, D1). Their strong record includes a crucial 1-0 triumph in the previous qualifying encounter in November 2023, where Nicolas Otamendi’s decisive goal secured all three points at the Maracanã.
La Albiceleste will draw confidence from their dominant home form, having won seven of their last eight World Cup qualifiers on home soil (L1), along with an impressive defensive record of 11 clean sheets in their previous 12 home qualifiers.
Meanwhile, Brazil remain on track to maintain their perfect streak of World Cup appearances despite a sluggish start to their qualification campaign, which saw them secure just one win, one draw, and four losses in their opening six games.
Since then, the Selecão have steadied the ship, going unbeaten in their last five qualifiers, including back-to-back victories over Chile and Peru in October. They then settled for consecutive draws against Venezuela and Uruguay in November before bouncing back with a dramatic win over Colombia on Thursday.
The five-time world champions appeared headed for a third straight 1-1 draw after Luis Díaz equalized Raphinha’s early penalty, but Vinicius Junior delivered a spectacular long-range strike in the 99th minute to snatch all three points, marking Brazil’s latest winning goal since Casemiro’s strike against Colombia in the 2021 Copa América.
With 21 points from 13 games, Brazil sit third in the standings, holding an eight-point cushion over Bolivia in the inter-confederation playoff position. However, their away form remains a concern, having won just one of their last five World Cup qualifiers on the road (D1, L3). As they prepare to take on Argentina, the Selecão will be hoping to claim their first victory in this rivalry since a 2-0 triumph in the 2019 Copa América semi-finals.
Argentina vs Brazil: Head-to-head
The historic rivalry between Argentina and Brazil remains finely balanced, with Argentina winning 46 of their 114 encounters, while Brazil have claimed victory on 42 occasions.
Their head-to-head clashes have featured four World Cup meetings, the first of which took place at the 1974 tournament in West Germany. On that occasion, Brazil secured a 2-1 win in Hannover during the second group stage, courtesy of goals from Rivellino and Jairzinho.
Four years later, their 1978 World Cup encounter ended in a goalless draw, but Brazil regained the upper hand in the 1982 tournament with a thrilling 3-2 victory.
Argentina finally broke their World Cup hoodoo against their fierce rivals at Italia ’90, where Claudio Caniggia’s solitary goal sealed a last-16 triumph. La Albiceleste went on to reach the final but fell short against West Germany.
The most recent high-profile showdown between these footballing giants came in the 2021 Copa América final in Rio de Janeiro. With only 7,800 fans in attendance due to COVID-19 restrictions, Ángel Di María’s strike secured a 1-0 victory, ending Argentina’s 28-year wait for a Copa América title.
Since that historic win, Argentina have established dominance in this fixture, going unbeaten in their last four meetings with Brazil. This streak includes a 1-0 triumph in their most recent clash during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in November 2023.
As a result, Brazil have not defeated their arch-rivals since their 2-0 victory in the 2019 Copa América semi-finals, when Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino found the net.
- Previous meetings: 114
- Argentina wins: 46
- Draws: 26
- Brazil wins: 42
Argentina vs Brazil: Team News and Predicted Lineup
Argentina – Team News
Rodrigo De Paul is pushing for a starting role in Argentina’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against Brazil in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.
The Atlético Madrid midfielder was not fully fit for Friday’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Uruguay and remained on the bench to maximize his chances of featuring against Brazil. Argentina also took a cautious approach, knowing he was one booking away from suspension.
While De Paul is expected to be in contention at Estadio Mas Monumental, Lionel Scaloni will be without key attacking figures, including Lionel Messi, Paulo Dybala, and Lautaro Martínez, due to injury. Additionally, Juventus forward Nico González is suspended after receiving a straight red card against Uruguay for a high boot on Nahitan Nández.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez reached his 50-cap milestone on Friday, and Atlético Madrid right-back Nahuel Molina is set to follow suit. In defense, Cristian Romero will resume his central partnership with Nicolás Otamendi, while Nicolás Tagliafico will occupy the left-back spot.
In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister is expected to partner De Paul, who will replace Leandro Paredes if deemed fit. Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández will take on a more advanced role, operating just ahead of the midfield duo.
Up front, Giuliano Simeone is set to feature on the right wing, with Thiago Almada retaining his place on the left after his stunning match-winning goal against Uruguay. Julián Álvarez could lead the attack, aiming to add to his 11-goal international tally.
Argentina – Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeepers – Emi Martinez
- Defeders – Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico
- Midfielders – De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez
- Forwards – Simeone, Almada, Alvarez
Brazil – Team News
Liverpool’s Alisson Becker, Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhães, and Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimarães will all be absent from Brazil’s starting lineup for Tuesday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Argentina.
Alisson has withdrawn from the squad after suffering a head injury in Brazil’s recent 2-1 victory over Colombia following a collision with Galatasaray’s Davinson Sánchez. Meanwhile, Gabriel and Guimarães are suspended after accumulating yellow cards in Thursday’s match.
With Alisson unavailable, Al-Nassr’s Bento is set to make his first competitive international start since featuring in friendlies against England and Spain in March 2024.
Brazil boss Dorival Júnior must decide between Nottingham Forest’s Murillo and Flamengo’s Léo Ortiz to replace Gabriel in central defense, with Ortiz likely to get the nod after making his international debut off the bench last week. Marquinhos will retain his place at the heart of the defense, with Vanderson and Guilherme Arana expected to start at right-back and left-back, respectively.
In midfield, Brazil will undergo a complete reshuffle, with Guimarães suspended and Gerson ruled out after picking up an injury against Colombia. Newcastle’s Joelinton, who replaced Gerson in the first half of that match, is likely to start alongside Wolverhampton Wanderers’ André.
Dorival Júnior could deploy either a 4-4-2 or a 4-2-3-1 formation. If he opts for the latter, Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo should take up wide positions, with Raphinha operating centrally as the playmaker.
Up front, Brighton’s João Pedro is expected to lead the attack, although Matheus Cunha and young sensation Endrick provide alternative options.
Brazil – Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeepers – Bento
- Defeders – Vanderson, Marquinhos, Ortiz, Arana
- Midfielders – Joelinton, Andre, Raphinha
- Forwards – Rodrygo, Vinicius, Pedro
Argentina vs Brazil: Prediction
These CONMEBOL clashes are not for the weak-hearted, and battles between the continent’s two footballing powerhouses are seldom graceful.
While both squads lack some of their usual superstar names, Argentina have been the most consistent team globally under Scaloni’s leadership. They’ve shown vulnerability in this qualifying campaign but have a habit of delivering when it matters most.
A gritty encounter awaits in Buenos Aires, potentially mirroring the closely fought reverse fixture from November 2023.
Prediction: Argentina 1-0 Brazil
Where To Watch The Argentina vs Brazil Match? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The Argentina vs. Brazil World Cup Qualifiers match is scheduled for Wednesday, March 26, at 5:30 AM IST at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Unfortunately, there will be no live broadcast or streaming available for the match.
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FAQs
When and where is the Argentina vs. Brazil World Cup Qualifier?
The match will take place on Wednesday, March 26, at 5:30 AM IST at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Will there be live streaming or a TV broadcast of the match?
No, there will be no live broadcast or streaming available for the Argentina vs. Brazil World Cup Qualifiers match.
What is Argentina’s recent form in World Cup qualifying?
Argentina leads the South American qualifiers with nine wins, one draw, and three losses, scoring 22 goals and conceding just seven.
How has Brazil performed in the qualifiers so far?
Brazil had a sluggish start but is now unbeaten in five consecutive qualifiers, including a dramatic 2-1 win over Colombia.
What is the head-to-head record between Argentina and Brazil?
In 114 meetings, Argentina has won 46 times, Brazil has won 42 times, and they have drawn 26 times.
