Argentina will host Brazil in Buenos Aires on Tuesday in a key game for 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Albiceleste won the 2022 World Cup and are set to defend their title next year; they can officially clinch qualification against the historical rivals. Argentina is currently at the top of the group with 28 points after 13 matches, while Brazil is in third with 21 points.
In South America, each of the ten national teams plays against each other at home and away. With FIFA expanding the World Cup to 48 teams, CONMEBOL has been allocated six spots, and the seventh-placed team will advance to the inter-confederation playoffs for a chance at another spot.
Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni praised his team’s performance after their 1-0 victory over Uruguay, achieved without star player Lionel Messi, who is recovering from an injury. Scaloni expressed disappointment over Brazilian star Raphinha’s pre-game remarks: “An Argentina-Brazil match is significant but remains just a football match. It shouldn’t extend beyond that. I remember the image of Messi with Neymar after the 2021 Copa America final, both sitting on the steps of the Maracana. That’s the image that should define our rivalry. We will be fierce competitors on the field, but friends off it. Everyone has a Brazilian friend; I know a lot of them—it should stay within those bounds.”
Match Details:
- Date: Tuesday, March 25
- Time: 8 PM ET
- Location: Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Live stream: Vix
- Odds: Argentina +120; Draw +205; Brazil +255
Why isn’t Messi available?
Lionel Messi of Inter Miami was excluded from the Argentina national team for the qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil due to a minor adductor muscle injury suffered during a match against Atlanta United on March 16. Scaloni had initially included him in the provisional squad on March 2, but decided to withdraw him to prevent further injury.
Last Meeting
The two teams have faced off 109 times in history, with Argentina winning 41 matches, Brazil 45, and 23 draws. In their last encounter in November 2023 for the qualifiers, Argentina emerged victorious with a goal from Nicolas Otamendi. Scaloni’s side has won three of the last five meetings, which also include the 2021 Copa America final.
Predicted 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.
Prediction
Argentina leads the qualifiers, and a victory over Brazil could secure their World Cup spot. Pick: Argentina 1, Brazil 1.
