Argentina Crush Brazil to Secure Spot at 2026 World Cup

 

Argentina Crush Brazil to Secure Spot at 2026 World Cup

• Alvarez, Fernández, Mac Allister, and Simeone Shine in 4-1 Triumph
• First South American Team to Qualify for the Tournament

Brazil suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat against their fierce rivals Argentina in the South American World Cup qualifiers, intensifying the pressure on manager Dorival Júnior. His team was completely outclassed and fortunate to escape without an even heavier loss.

Following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Colombia on Thursday, Brazil’s momentum came to an abrupt halt against the reigning world champions. Argentina set the tone early, with Julián Alvarez opening the scoring just four minutes into the match.

Alvarez skillfully controlled a through ball from Thiago Almada, maneuvered past two defenders, and coolly slotted the ball past an advancing Bento with a precise finish.

“We humbly did our job and played a great game. We gave them a show,” Alvarez said.

“It was a historic result, winning by 4-1, and that makes us really proud, I’m so happy for the fans, for helping the team and to see how we played an impressive game at home. It’s great to know that we are qualified for the World Cup.”

Argentina’s place at the 2026 World Cup was officially confirmed earlier on Tuesday, thanks to a goalless draw between Uruguay and Bolivia. This made them the first South American nation to secure qualification for the tournament in North America.

Even in the absence of key players Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martínez due to injuries, Argentina were vastly superior and quickly doubled their advantage.

Enzo Fernández extended the lead to 2-0 in the 12th minute with a composed finish from inside the box. However, Brazil briefly found hope when a defensive error by Cristian Romero allowed Matheus Cunha to pull one back in the 26th minute.

Argentina responded emphatically, restoring their two-goal cushion in the 37th minute when Alexis Mac Allister capitalized on a Fernández cross to find the net.

Dominating their rivals for the sixth consecutive year without defeat, Argentina squandered several opportunities to widen the margin before substitute Giuliano Simeone sealed the victory in the 71st minute. This marked Brazil’s heaviest loss in World Cup qualifying history.

Captain Marquinhos expressed remorse to the Brazilian supporters and called for urgent improvement.

“What we did here today can’t happen again,” he told Brazilian TV Globo. “It’s hard to talk about it in the heat of the moment... It’s embarrassing. We started the game very badly, far below what we could do and they’re on a great run of confidence. They knew how to play smart ... I’m sorry for our fans.”

Dorival Júnior’s tenure has struggled to win over Brazil’s passionate fanbase, with just seven wins in 16 matches since taking charge in early 2024.

“It’s not just the coach’s fault... It’s the players’ fault too,” Marquinhos said. “There’s no secret formula in football where you make a choice and it works out. We can all do better. We have to share the blame. It’s about understanding the moment and being humble.”

With 31 points from 14 matches, Argentina lead the South American standings, sitting 16 points ahead of Venezuela in seventh, who occupy the intercontinental playoff position following their 1-0 win over Peru. Meanwhile, Brazil find themselves in fourth place with 21 points.