Argentina delivered a crushing 4-1 defeat to arch-rivals Brazil in the South American World Cup qualifiers on Wednesday at the Estadio Mas Monumental, sealing their place in the 2026 tournament in North America.
Despite missing their iconic captain Lionel Messi, Lionel Scaloni’s side outclassed Dorival Junior’s Brazil in every aspect, extending their dominance in the Superclásico.
The reigning world champions wasted no time asserting control, with Julian Alvarez breaking the deadlock just four minutes into the match. Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez doubled Argentina’s advantage in the 12th minute, putting Brazil on the back foot early on.
Brazil found a glimmer of hope midway through the first half when Matheus Cunha squeezed a shot past Argentina’s goalkeeper to reduce the deficit to 2-1. However, any hopes of a comeback were short-lived as Alexis Mac Allister restored Argentina’s two-goal cushion before halftime.
Dorival Junior made three substitutions at the break, introducing Leo Ortiz, Joao Gomes, and teenage sensation Endrick, but Brazil continued to struggle. Argentina remained in control and squandered several opportunities before substitute Giuliano Simeone netted his first international goal in the 71st minute, sealing Brazil’s heaviest-ever defeat in World Cup qualifying history.
With this emphatic victory, Argentina became the latest team to book their ticket to the 2026 World Cup, joining the United States, Mexico, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, and Iran.
The win also extended Argentina’s unbeaten streak against Brazil to five matches, with four victories and a draw since their last defeat in 2019.
Meanwhile, Brazil, sitting fourth in the South American qualifying standings with 21 points from 14 matches, will look to bounce back in September when they host Ecuador and travel to Paraguay. The Seleção remain on course for a record 23rd World Cup appearance but must improve if they hope to end their two-decade-long wait for a sixth title.
