Argentina Crushes Brazil 4-1 in Buenos Aires, Secures 2026 World Cup Spot
Argentina Crushes Brazil 4-1 in an electrifying game at Buenos Aires.
In a electrifying World Cup qualifier showdown at the Estadio Mâs Monumental on Tuesday, March 25, Argentina delivered a commanding 4-1 victory over arch-rivals Brazil, cementing their dominance and mathematically clinching a berth in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The match, a testament to Argentina’s tactical prowess, unfolded before a roaring crowd of 84,567, marking a historic night in CONMEBOL qualifying history.
Argentina, already assured of qualification earlier that day due to Bolivia’s 0-0 draw with Uruguay, wasted no time asserting control. Julián Álvarez struck just four minutes in, muscling through Brazil’s defense for a gritty opener.
Enzo Fernández doubled the lead in the 12th minute, capitalizing on a Nahuel Molina cross with a clinical finish. Alexis Mac Allister added a third before halftime, exploiting Brazil’s disarray, while Giuliano Simeone sealed the rout in the 71st minute—though some reports remain unconfirmed on his goal’s specifics. Brazil’s lone response came from Matheus Cunha, a fleeting consolation amid Argentina’s relentless pressure.
The 4-1 scoreline etched multiple milestones: Brazil’s first-ever four-goal concession in a World Cup qualifier and Argentina’s most prolific tally against their rivals since 1959—all without Lionel Messi, sidelined by injury. Brazil, missing Neymar and hampered by absences like Alisson and Bruno Guimarães, struggled to counter Argentina’s cohesion, dropping to fourth in the standings with 21 points, 10 behind the Albiceleste’s 31.
This victory, beyond securing Argentina’s ticket to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico-hosted tournament, underscored their reign as world and South American champions. For Brazil, the defeat signals a need for soul-searching as qualifying resumes, while Argentina’s depth and hunger shone brightly in a clásico for the ages.
