Brazil and Argentina will aim to return to winning ways when they clash at the Maracana in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers.
The last international break of 2023 ends this week with a blockbuster clash in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers. Brazil and Argentina will lock horns at the iconic Maracana, with both teams coming into the marquee fixture on the back of defeats last week.
Brazil suffered a 2-1 defeat to Colombia that came at a heavy cost, as they lost Vinicius Junior to an injury. But Fernando Diniz’s men have been dreadful in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, winning only two of their five outings thus far. The latest setback came against Colombia, with the result dropping the Selecao to fifth in the standings, behind even Venezuela.
On the other hand, Argentina suffered a 2-0 loss to Uruguay, the first goals they have conceded in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers. The world champions had been imperious until that defeat, winning their first four games. So, despite losing to Uruguay, Lionel Scaloni’s men remain atop the standings, two points ahead of La Celeste.
The most recent clash featuring Brazil and Argentina ended in a goalless draw, the fixture being a qualifier for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at this week’s encounter ahead of the latest meeting between the two fierce rivals.
Team News & Tactics
Brazil
Real Madrid confirm that Vinícius Júnior will be out for 8-10 weeks after suffering a hamstring injury during international break. pic.twitter.com/zL2dC3TvC1
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 18, 2023
Fernando Diniz has a new fitness concern hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest game. Vinicius Junior picked up a hamstring injury last week against Colombia, with the issue ruling him out of action for the next ten weeks.
Vinicius has joined Ederson Moraes on the sidelines, with the Manchester City goalkeeper recovering from a foot injury. But Diniz has the rest of his troops available ahead of the marquee fixture against Argentina.
Alisson Becker will take his usual spot between the sticks, with Brazil lining up in a 4-3-3 formation in front of him. The system will incorporate a defensive-minded midfield trifecta that will liberate the attackers to express themselves freely. Meanwhile, the defensive quartet should feature Emerson Royal, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Renan Lodi.
As for the midfield unit, Bruno Guimaraes, Andre, and Douglas Luiz should combine in the middle of the park. While the trio will primarily be defensive-minded, Guimaraes will be the creative hub from the central areas. Finally, the offensive department should feature Rodrygo Goes, Raphinha, and Gabriel Martinelli, who will spearhead the attack against Argentina.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Alisson; Emerson Royal, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Lodi; Bruno Guimaraes, Andre, Douglas Luiz; Raphinha, Martinelli, Rodrygo
Argentina
Unlike his counterpart in Brazil’s dugout, Lionel Scaloni does not have a new fitness issue to deal with ahead of the trip to the Maracana. Argentina’s head coach will have a full-strength squad to choose from this week.
Argentina, like Brazil, will line up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Scaloni likely naming his strongest eleven to take on the Selecao. That will start with Emiliano Martinez, who will take his usual spot between the sticks.
#SelecciónMayor ¡Acá estamos! 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/izrynIPD6q
— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) November 21, 2023
Cristian Romero and Nicolas Otamendi have forged a rock-solid central defensive unit. And despite conceding two goals to Uruguay, the duo will back themselves to bounce back. Nahuel Molina and Nicolas Tagliafico should join the centre-backs and cover them during the defensive phases.
As for the midfield unit, there is no looking past Enzo Fernandez, Rodrigo De Paul, and Alexis Mac Allister. The trio formed the bedrock of Argentina’s World Cup triumph and will look to wreak havoc against Brazil. Finally, Lionel Messi will spearhead the away side’s attack, with Lautaro Martinez and Angel Di Maria joining him in the offensive trifecta.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Emiliano Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Di Maria
Key Stats
- Brazil have a slightly better head-to-head record against Argentina, winning 46 games while losing 41 (D26).
- But the Selecao are currently on a three-game winless run against Argentina (D1 L2), scoring no goal in those fixtures.
- Speaking of, those last three meetings between Brazil and Argentina have produced only two goals, with La Albiceleste scoring both of them.
- Lionel Messi has 31 career goals in World Cup qualifying, a CONMEBOL record.
- But none of Lionel Messi’s 31 strikes have come against Brazil. Although Messi has scored five goals against Brazil in friendlies, he has not found the back of the net versus Brazil in World Cup Qualifiers throughout his career.
Player to Watch
Lionel Messi
Argentina will play at the iconic Maracana, the home of eternal rivals Brazil, for the first time since winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup. So this week’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers fixture should be a special event, despite the fierce rivalry between the two South American powerhouses.
Lionel Messi, in particular, will be itching to take the field, considering his record against Brazil in World Cup qualification games. While the Argentina captain has a CONMEBOL-record 31 goals in World Cup Qualifiers, none has come against Brazil. So, he will be eager to end that drought and add to Brazil’s woes.
Prediction
Brazil 0-1 Argentina
Both teams boast of impressive offensive units. But recent fixtures between Brazil and Argentina have not been goal-fests. In addition, neither side has been prolific thus far in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers. So, we might not see much goalmouth action this week.
But with Brazil in a free fall in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, they will be desperate for goals and hit Argentina with waves of attacks. That should play into the hands of the world champions, who will find one opening to strike the killer blow. The Hard Tackle predicts a 1-0 win for Lionel Scaloni and his charges.
