Argentina would like to take a giant step towards confirming their place in the 2026 World Cup, as they take on old foes and third-placed Brazil.
Argentina kept their three-point lead at the top of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings intact following a slender victory over rivals Uruguay on Saturday, with Brazil following in third. Botafogo star Thiago Almada, who has been spending time at Lyon on loan, popped up with the game’s only goal that secured the three points for Lionel Scaloni’s men.
The win did end a three-game winless run for Argentina and ensured they stayed on top, especially given nearest rivals Ecuador also managed to win their game. To end this international break, Scaloni would like to be very close to a World Cup berth, as they take on old foes Brazil in Buenos Aires.
Argentina have a favourable recent record against Brazil as they are unbeaten against their bitter rivals in the last four games. They also won the reverse fixture in Rio De Janeiro courtesy of a Nicolas Otamendi striker, while they have managed seven victories in their last eight home games against in qualifying.
Meanwhile, Brazil are on 21 points after ending their two-game winless run following a late win over rivals Colombia in their game at the weekend. Dorival Junior will want his players to be focused on the task ahead with their visit to Buenos Aires, as he seeks to end a four-game winless run against Argentina and inspire his team in the process.
Dorival would have wanted a win over Colombia in a rather comfortable manner, although he would take the late style of Brazil securing all three points. An early penalty by Raphinha set the tone of the game, as it took until late in the first half for Liverpool’s Luis Diaz to find an equaliser.
As Brazil were cruising towards a third consecutive draw in their qualifying campaign, Vinicius Junior popped with a 99th-minute strike to collect all three points. The win kept Brazil third in the standings as their current position is a testament to their progress after a terrible start in the first six games where they had only one win, one draw and four losses. Meanwhile, they have only one win in their last five away qualifiers.
Team News & Tactics
Argentina
Despite the richness in attacking talents, Lionel Scaloni could ill-afford to miss any more players in the final third. In the win over Uruguay, Nico Gonzalez was sent off, which will see him miss the key game against Brazil, as he joins a host of fellow attackers on the sidelines.
While Argentina are already missing Lionel Messi due to an injury, they also lost Lautaro Martinez and Paulo Dybala before the current round of qualifiers began. On the positive side, they might have Rodrigo De Paul fit and available after he was deemed short of fitness against Uruguay. He will slot into the midfield consisting of Alexis Mac Allister.
At the back, Nahuel Molina should keep his place at right back, with Nicolas Tagliafico taking on the other flank. The fit-again Cristian Romero will partner with veteran Otamendi in the heart of the defence, with Emiliano Martinez firmly settled between the sticks.
Further forward, Guiliano Simeone will look to make the most of another chance in the attacking setup, as he keeps his place on the right wing, while thiago Almada and Enzo Fernandez complete the attack, as Julian Alvarez leads the line for Argentina against Brazil.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Mac Allister; Simeone, Fernandez, Almada; Alvarez
Brazil
There were a few updates from the Brazilian camp in recent days, with a few of their notable starters returning to their respective clubs. Alisson Becker was the headline maker, to pull out of the squad, while Flamengo’s Gerson is also out following their injuries against Colombia.
Brazil’s issues compounded further as Gabriel Magalhaes and Bruno Guimaraes received bookings that ruled them out of the crunch clash with Argentina, leaving Dorival Junior to make alterations to his plans ahead of this trip to Buenos Aires.
Leo Ortiz should replace the Arsenal defender, while Vanderson, Marquinhos and Guilherme Arana should keep their places in the back four. With Ederson Moaraes also absent from the squad, Bento should get the nod between the sticks.
Dorival should revamp his midfield options as Joelinton should replace his Newcastle United teammate Bruno Guimaraes, while Andre might come in for Gerson. In what may appear like a 4-4-2 system, Rodrygo and Raphinha should occupy the wide berths, while Joao Pedro and Vinicius lead the line for the Selecao.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Bento; Vanderson, Marquinhos, Ortiz, Arana; Rodrygo, Andre, Joelinton, Raphinha; Pedro, Vinicius
Key Stats
- Argentina have won seven of their last eight home games in World Cup qualifying.
- Argentina have kept 11 clean sheets in their last 12 qualifiers on home soil.
- Brazil have only one victory in their last five away games in World Cup qualifying.
- Brazil are winless in their last four games against Argentina.
Player to Watch
Raphinha
There were some warning shots fired by Raphinha ahead of this huge clash with Argentina in a TV interview, and it may be time for the Barcelona man to come good on his promise. Argentina will be without talisman Lionel Messi as well as a few key stars, and this might be the time for players like Raphinha to come good with their expectations.
Raphinha has been in electric form this season, and that needs to come out in games for Brazil. The Selecao are not far off from Argentina in the standings, and to cement their chances of making it to the 2026 World Cup, a big win away in Buenos Aires will be a good way to start. So, the Barcelona man will be key to the idea.
Prediction
Argentina 1-1 Brazil
Brazil will be the team in Buenos Aires under pressure to deliver a result having gone the lost four games against Argentina without a win. The Selecao are also behind their arch-rivals in the standings, and despite the host’s problems with notable absentees, they are expected to put up a fight.
Argentina did not play in their fluid style against Uruguay, and that might have to change to find a way to win big against Brazil. However, these are two teams more than happy to keep hold of their current place, and the game could end up in an entertaining draw. The Hard Tackle predicts a 1-1 draw.
