Croatia vs Brazil on Friday afternoon in a meeting between two teams that delivered contrasting displays to make it into the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals.
Brazil will look to shake their recent World Cup quarterfinal slump when they face Croatia at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
The Selecao have lost three of their last four World Cup quarterfinal matches, including in 2018 when they fell to Belgium, tasting early elimination.
Classificamos para as quartas de final e já iniciamos a nossa preparação para enfrentar a Croácia pela @FIFAWorldCup
Croatia, the 2018 World Cup runners-up, have been poor so far this tournament overall, but have ground out results, with just one win in 90 minutes compared to three draws through their four matches. They qualified for the quarterfinal by beating Japan on penalties.
Still, since the start of the 2018 tournament, Luka Modric and Co. have proven a tough nut to crack, with just one loss through their last 11 World Cup matches, coming in the 2018 final vs France.
After pummeling South Korea in the Round of 16, Neymar will fancy his chances in this match, having returned to the field in that game after missing time with an ankle injury. He faces his old El Clasico rival Modric, as the two are familiar opponents.
Match Details:
Location: Doha, Qatar
Stadium: Education City Stadium
Date: Friday 9 December
Kick-off Time: 8:30 PM IST
Croatia vs Brazil: Where to Watch in India?
Watch on TV: Sports 18/HD Watch on PC/Mobile/Laptop: Jio Cinema App
7 big footballing nations which can miss the FIFA World Cup 2026
Even though the number of countries participating in the World Cup would increase, there is a chance that a few well-known footballing nations might miss the flight to the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The FIFA World Cup 2026, which is set to be the biggest with a record 48 teams, is just one year away. After the huge success of FIFA World Cup 2022, where the world saw an outstanding final between winners Argentina and runners-up France, the next edition is gearing up to break more records.
But, even though the number of countries participating in the World Cup would increase, there is a chance that a few well-known footballing nations might miss the flight to the FIFA World Cup 2026, in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Today, we will talk about those countries which can miss the FIFA World Cup 2026.
7. Austria
Austria under Ralf Rangnick surprised everyone with their high pressing game, beating teams like the Netherlands and Poland in Euro 2024. However, their high-pressing game might not give them great results in the USA. Moreover, their Bundesliga talents are also above their peak age.
Austria have not started their FIFA World Cup Qualifiers campaign at the moment, and Bosnia-Herzegovina have already taken a 6-point lead in the Group H points table. So, it might be tough for them if they make any silly mistakes during the qualifiers.
Group H
P
W
D
L
GD
Pts
1
BIH
2
2
0
0
2
6
2
ROU
2
1
0
1
3
3
3
CYP
2
1
0
1
1
3
4
AUT
0
0
0
0
0
0
5
SMR
2
0
0
2
-6
0
6. Croatia
Although Luka Modric and company surprised everyone with a runners-up finish at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and a third-place finish in 2022, the former Real Madrid great would be 40 during the World Cup. So, we can not expect Modric to take his team over the line alone.
Although they have a defender like Josko Gvardiol, the entire squad is getting aged, and they are already six points behind teams like the Czech Republic and Montenegro, even before starting their FIFA World Cup Qualifiers campaign.
So, they also have very little room for any mistakes.
Group L
P
W
D
L
GD
Pts
1
CZE
2
2
0
0
5
6
2
MNE
2
2
0
0
3
6
3
CRO
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
FRO
2
0
0
2
-2
0
5
GIB
2
0
0
2
-6
0
5. Chile
Chile were once considered one of the toughest South American teams with Copa America victories in 2015 and 2016. But those times are gone now for them.
They still depend on veteran stars like Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sanchez, who are at the fag end of their careers. With just two wins in 14 South American qualifiers and a paltry nine goals scored, Chile are currently bottom of the points table.
With Chile being five points adrift of a play-off spot, they might not make it to the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Rank
Team
P
W
D
L
Pts
1
Argentina
14
10
1
3
31
2
Ecuador
14
7
5
2
23
3
Uruguay
14
5
6
3
21
4
Brazil
14
6
3
5
21
5
Paraguay
14
5
6
3
21
6
Colombia
14
5
5
4
20
7
Venezuela
14
3
6
5
15
8
Bolivia
14
4
2
8
14
9
Peru
14
2
4
8
10
10
Chile
14
2
4
8
10
4. Qatar
The 2022 FIFA World Cup hosts created history by losing all three group games, becoming the first host nation to do so. However, after back-to-back Asian Cup victories, they were well on track to qualify for the 2026 World Cup on merit.
But, after winning only three of the eight third-round Asian qualifiers matches, they are now behind Iran and Uzbekistan in the group.
Although there is a fourth round of safety for them, it is not guaranteed that they will qualify from there.
Group A
P
W
D
L
GD
Pts
1
IRN
8
6
2
0
9
20
2
UZB
8
5
2
1
4
17
3
UAE
8
4
1
3
7
13
4
QAT
8
3
1
4
-5
10
5
KGZ
8
2
0
6
-6
6
6
PRK
8
0
2
6
-9
2
3. Senegal
Senegal, the African football giants, struggled a bit after the departure of coach Aliou Cisse. They had shown great determination during the FIFA World Cup 2022, but after Cisse's departure, they seem to be fading.
Their senior stars, Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly, now play in the Saudi Pro League and are not at their prime as well. It will be up to their youngsters, like Pape Sarr and Nicolas Jackson, to take them home.
But they are now behind DR Congo by a point in qualifying. So, any mistake from them could sweep away the dreams of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Group B
P
W
D
L
GD
Pts
1
COD
6
4
1
1
5
13
2
SEN
6
3
3
0
7
12
3
SDN
6
3
3
0
6
12
4
TOG
6
0
4
2
-3
4
5
SSD
6
0
3
3
-8
3
6
MTN
6
0
2
4
-7
2
2. Cameroon
Cameroon are Africa's most frequent World Cup participants and has always brought a great flair to the World Cups. But, despite having talents like Andre Onana and Bryan Mbeumo, they have dropped points against Libya, Angola, and Eswatini.
They are currently one point behind Cape Verde in the Group D points table of CAF qualifiers.
Group D
P
W
D
L
GD
Pts
1
CPV
6
4
1
1
2
13
2
CMR
6
3
3
0
8
12
3
LBY
6
2
2
2
-1
8
4
ANG
6
1
4
1
0
7
5
MRI
6
1
2
3
-4
5
6
SWZ
6
0
2
4
-5
2
1. Nigeria
It would be a shame if a team with Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Victor Boniface as their attacking trio does not qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026. However, despite having a good side, they have underperformed and won only six matches, trailing South Africa by six points in Group C.
Jorge Jesus denies negotiations with Brazil as potential head coach
Al-Hilal head coach Jorge Jesus has denied the rumours about the negotiations to be appointed as the next head coach of the Brazil national football team.
Besides Carlo Ancelotti, Jorge Jesus has also been named as a potential candidate. However, The 70-year-old Portuguese coach has responded to these rumours, denying any negotiation with CBF to be appointed as the next head coach of Brazil, discarding the possibility as of now.
Jorge Jesus denies negotiations with Brazil
Jorge Jesus (Image Credit | AP)
In an interview with UOL, Jesus, who is currently at the helm of Saudi club Al-Hilal, assured that he has not been contacted by anyone from the Brazilian Football Federation. "No one has spoken to me, at least until today," he stated.
The 'Globo' network has indicated that Al-Hilal head coach Jorge Jesus is the front-runner to become the head coach of the Brazilian national team.
The network also pointed out that Jorge Jesus is not keen to leave his position at Al-Hilal since he expects to stay with the Saudi Pro League side until the end of the AFC Champions League Elite, which concludes on May 3, 2025.
🚨🇧🇷 Jorge Jesus has given his initial availability to become new Brazil head coach, after the end of the season with Al Hilal.
Decision now up to the Brazilian Federation as dream target Carlo Ancelotti surely won’t be available before end of July. pic.twitter.com/122t3HfTbw
Further, the network added that Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was the initial choice; however, he is not ready to leave his present job before the end of the 2025 Club World Cup.
The Portuguese coach aims to lead Al-Hilal to triumph in the AFC Champions League Elite and might consider stepping down before the Club World Cup to assume the coaching duty at the Brazilian national team.
Jesus addressed his relationship with Neymar
(Image Source | X)
Recent developments have witnessed prominent figures such as Carlo Ancelotti and Filipe Luis pulling out of contention as of now to take over the Brazil job, solidifying Jesus's position as the front-runner.
When asked on the 'Charla Podcast' about the possibility of reuniting with Jesus in the national setup, Neymar seemed visibly uncomfortable and opted to answer otherwise. "I have nothing to do with this. I'm just a player; don't involve me in this. I'm out," he stated.
However, Jorge Jesus opened up about his relationship with Neymar. In the interview with UOL. "I have no issues with Neymar, but no club or national team can depend on individual players," the coach said, dismissing any conflicting triggers.
The situation raises questions about Neymar's future with the national team and the possible impact of this appointment on the team's dynamics. However, Brazil seeks to bounce back from their recent stint of setbacks and appoint a coach who can lead the team to the coveted success with the 2026 FIFA World Cup at stake.
Brazil wants to sign current Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after recent humiliation against Argentina
Brazil targets Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, as their head coach after the recent humiliation against Argentina. Read the full details in this article from Sportz Point.
Brazil's disappointing 4-1 defeat against Argentinaat Mas Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires has insecure the head coach's place of Dorival Junior, especially with the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, Canada, and Mexico just over a year away.
Following Tite's departure after Brazil's quarterfinal exit against Croatia in the 2022 World Cup, he has been the third coach to lead the team, and the Brazilian is now being tipped to depart as well if he fails to turn around Brazil's national football team's fortune.
🚨🇧🇷 Brazilian Federation are seriously considering a managerial change as now Dorival Junior position is under review.
The dream target for July would be Carlo Ancelotti again, as @geglobo reported — but no negotiations are taking place now as it also depends on Real Madrid. pic.twitter.com/RFzPJaDgRR
CBF president Ednaldo Rodriguez, recently re-elected, had previously identified Carlo Ancelotti as his managerial target in 2023, with Pep Guardiola also considered before the contract extension with Manchester City. However, the Italian has indicated that any discussions would only advance after the FIFA Club World Cup, which Real Madrid will participate in between June and July in the United States of America.
The Italian has previously stated that he would never willingly leave Real Madrid, but should the club end the season trophyless. Brazil may see an opportunity to attract him away. With Carlo Ancelotti's availability uncertain, the CBF is also considering other potential options.
Among the names being considered is Filipe Luiz, the former Atletico Madrid defender and current Flamengo coach.
Next for Brazil:
Image Credit: X
Brazil has its next set of FIFA World Cup qualifiers in early June, playing Ecuador away and Paraguay at home. The CBF must now determine whether to keep Dorival Junior until then or appoint an interim manager while negotiations with current Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti continue behind the scenes.
Argentina vs Brazil FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Argentina smash Brazil by 4-1 in dominating performance
Read the Argentina vs Brazil FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers highlights as the defending World Champions thrashed Brazil by 4-1 at Estadio Mâs Monumental in Argentina.
Hello and welcome to another football LIVE Blog of Sportz Point.
This is Koushik Biswas, who will be staying up with you for this coverage. Tonight, we will be covering the Argentina vs Brazil FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers match at the Estadio Mâs Monumental in Argentina.
Argentina are currently leading the South American Qualifiers points table with 28 points from 13 games. In the meantime, Brazil are at number three with 21 points in the same number of games.
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) March 26, 2025
Mar 26, 2025, 1:48 AM
82' | Double change
In: Correa, Palacios
Out: Paredes, Alvarez
Mar 26, 2025, 1:47 AM
80' | Save from Bento
Excellent save from Bento as Paredes's right-footed strike from outside of the box nearly went in.
Bento made a full strechted dive to his left to make the save.
Mar 26, 2025, 1:45 AM
78' | Enzo is injured
Enzo Fernandez is injured and is getting a medical attention.
Mar 26, 2025, 1:42 AM
75' | Double change for Argentina
In: Medina, Nico Paz
Out: Tagliafico and Mac Allister
Mar 26, 2025, 1:40 AM
74' | Yellow card
Yellow card for De Paul for a foul.
Mar 26, 2025, 1:39 AM
72' | WHAATTTTT A GOAL | ARG 4-1 BRA
What a finish by Simione!
Tagliafico's cross from the left missed everyone, but it fell onto the feet of Simeone.
Although he had a very tight angle to work with, he hit the net with a powerful strike.
Argentina 4-1 Brazil.
Mar 26, 2025, 1:36 AM
69' | Yellow card
Yellow card for Otamendi for a foul.
Mar 26, 2025, 1:35 AM
69' | Change for Brazil
In: Savinho
Out: Cunha
Mar 26, 2025, 1:34 AM
68' | Change for Argentina
In: Simeone
Out: Almada
Mar 26, 2025, 1:32 AM
64' | Raphinha hits the wall
Brazil earned a free kick close to Argentina’s box, but Raphinha’s effort slammed into the defensive wall before trickling tamely into the arms of Martínez, who dealt with it comfortably.
Mar 26, 2025, 1:27 AM
60' | Chance for Argentina
De Paul caught Brazil napping with a sharp free kick, springing Enzo Fernández free down the right. Fernández delivered a pinpoint cross, but Tagliafico’s glancing header flashed agonizingly wide of the mark.
Mar 26, 2025, 1:25 AM
Banter!
Rodrygo: "You are very bad."
Paredes: "I have 1 World Cup and 2 Copa America's, you have zero." 🥶🥶
The last save from Bento gave the corner to Argentina. After a short corner, Enzo lobbed the ball from right of the box for Mac Allister to come running and get the goal with a clinical finish.
Argentina 3-1 Brazil.
Mar 26, 2025, 12:42 AM
36' | Save from Bento
Bento makes a great save as Almada makes a curling effort from the left of the box. Bento had to dive to his right to make the save.
Mar 26, 2025, 12:41 AM
32' | End-to-end stuff
Even after conceding the opening goal, Brazil haven’t shifted their approach, allowing Argentina to maintain a greater share of possession as the first half-hour unfolds.
Cristian Romero picked up the ball near his own box but fluffed his pass. Matheus Cunha pounced, nicking the ball back before driving forward and unleashing a right-footed strike that zipped past Emiliano Martínez to his right post, pulling the score to Agrentina 2-1 Brazil.
Mar 26, 2025, 12:28 AM
22' | Chance for Argentina
Romero fed the ball to Álvarez in the center, who quickly laid it off to De Paul. De Paul whipped in a cross, and Almada attempted to redirect it back to Álvarez, only for a Brazilian defender to intervene with a crucial, last-ditch clearance.
Mar 26, 2025, 12:28 AM
20' | Bento is injured
The referee halted play after Brazil’s goalkeeper, Bento, went down clutching his face. He signaled for medical help due to a cut, prompting the medical staff to rush onto the pitch for treatment. After a brief pause, the game has now resumed.
Argentina, holding the upper hand, refuse to ease up, relentlessly challenging Brazil for possession. The visitors, meanwhile, struggle to carve out any real threat against the home side’s goal.
Mar 26, 2025, 12:19 AM
13' | Enzo scores the second for Argentina | ARG 2-0 BRA
Nahuel Molina’s cross ricocheted off a Brazilian defender, landing perfectly for Enzo.
The Chelsea midfielder seized the chance, calmly slotting it past a stranded Bento. Argentina are soaring in ecstasy, while Brazil find themselves in serious peril!
Mar 26, 2025, 12:15 AM
This is how Alvarez scored
Gol de Julián Álvarez. No me canso de decir que bueno es. Se los dije siempre.
Following a swift move down the left flank, Nicolás Tagliafico nodded the ball to Thiago Almada. Almada then slipped a pass to Julián Álvarez, who deftly threaded it between two defenders inside the penalty area before firing a shot to make it 1-0.
Subs: Lucas Perri, Weverton, Lucas Beraldo, Alex Sandro, Léo Ortiz, Vanderson, Estêvão, João Gomes, Éderson, Savinho, Endrick, João Pedro.
Mar 25, 2025, 11:12 PM
Lineups | Argentina
Starting XI: E. Martínez, N. Molina, C. Romero, N. Otamendi, N. Tagliafico, L. Paredes, R. de Paul, E. Fernández, A. Mac Allister, T. Almada, J. Álvarez.
Subs: Walter Benítez, Gerónimo Rulli, Juan Foyth, Germán Pezzella, Leonardo Balerdi, Facundo Medina, Exequiel Palacios, Nico Paz, Máximo Perrone, Benjamín Domínguez, Giuliano Simeone, Ángel Correa.
Mar 25, 2025, 11:02 PM
He means it!
🚨🇧🇷| Raphinha’s interview with Romário about the game against Argentina tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/IewIQnm4hT
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) March 25, 2025
Mar 25, 2025, 10:42 PM
Argentina qualifies for FIFA World Cup 2026
After Bolivia’s goalless draw against Uruguay, the defending champions are now guaranteed a top-six position in the points table. Hence, they have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Argentina vs Brazil 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifiers | Match Preview, Head-to-head, Possible Lineups and Fantasy XI Prediction
Read the full match preview, head-to-head stats, possible starting lineups, and Fantasy XI Prediction of the Argentina vs Brazil match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifiers at Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires.
Read the full match preview, head-to-head stats, possible starting lineups, and Fantasy XI Prediction of the Argentina vs Brazil match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifiers at Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires.
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) March 23, 2025
Argentina:
Argentina will be at their home this time around. They defeated Brazil in their last meeting, and even though it was an away fixture, Lionel Scaloni's managed side secured a win in a close contest. The Argentine squad also secured a win in their previous match against Uruguay. Lionel Scaloni's managed side is at the top of the table, having won nine of their thirteen matches.
Brazil:
Brazil is not in the best forms but are slowly gaining the momentum. They faced Colombia in their last world cup qualifier match and came out on top after Vinicius Junior's late winner. Dorival Junior's lads are in a good form and currently undefeated in the last few matches. Dorival Junior's managed side jumped up to the third spot with a win in their previous counter.
Kick-Off:
Mas Monumental Stadium | Image Credit: WSDG
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Stadium: Mas Monumental
Date: Wednesday, 26 March
Kick-Off time: 5:30 am IST
Recent Form:
Argentina:
Image Credit: Out Look
Uruguay 0-1 Argentina (Away, World Cup qualifiers)
Argentina 1-0 Peru (Home, World Cup Qualifiers)
Paraguay 2-1 Argentina (Away, World Cup Qualifiers)
Argentina 6-0 Bolivia (Home, World Cup Qualifiers)
Venezuela 1-1 Argentina (Away, World Cup Qualifiers)
Brazil:
Image Credit: Hindustan Times
Chile 1-2 Brazil (Away, World Cup qualifiers)
Brazil 4-0 Peru (Home, World Cup qualifiers)
Venezuela 1-1 Brazil (Away, World Cup qualifiers)
Brazil 1-1 Uruguay (Home, World Cup qualifiers)
Brazil 2-1 Colombia (Home, World Cup qualifiers)
Head-to-head stats:
Total Matches: 16
Brazil won: 7
Argentina won: 6
Draw: 3
Injury Updates:
Lautaro Martinez will not be a part of Argentina's squad as he is injured.
Alisson Becker is injured and will not be in action for Brazil.
Predicted Lineup:
Argentina:
Emi Martinez (GK), Nahuel Molina, Christian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico, Leonardo Pardes, Alexis Mac Allister, Guiliano Simeone, Enzo Fernandez, Angel Correra, Julian Alvarez.
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