Japan remain top of Group C after defeating China in World Cup Qualifiers.
Japan solidified its dominance in Group C of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers with a commanding victory over China. The win keeps Japan firmly at the top of the table, as they edge closer to securing a spot in the tournament.
Welcome to Sportz Point's post-match report of the World Cup Qualifier clash between Japan and China. Japan's win today increases their goal tally to 39 so far in the qualifiers and with a 20-plus goal difference this country is on course to qualify for the World Cup in a remarkable style. Here, we break down all the key moments and highlights from the game.
Japan took control of the game from the opening whistle, dominating possession and relentlessly pressuring the Chinese defense. The first notable chance came in the 10th minute when Chinese attacker Wei Shihao received a brilliant through ball from Wang Shangyuan and fired a right-footed shot. However, the tight angle denied him a goal.
Despite mounting pressure, Japan struggled to convert until the 39th minute when Koki Ogawa headed a Takefusa Kubo corner into the bottom left corner. Just before the halftime whistle, Ko Itakura doubled the lead, capitalizing on a well-delivered corner by Koki Machida. The first half ended with Japan firmly in control, leading 2-0.
China started the second half with intent, as Wei Shihao delivered a precise pass to Lin Liangming which he finished beautifully just four minutes after the restart.
Xie Wenneng nearly equalized with a powerful left-footed strike from outside the box, but the Japanese goalkeeper made a crucial save to his left.
Both teams enjoyed spells of possession, seeking opportunities to score. In the 54th minute,Koki Ogawa extended Japan's lead, heading in a well-placed cross from Junya Ito.
Despite several attacking attempts from both sides, no further goals were scored, and the match concluded after seven minutes of added time.
New Messi? Franco Mastantuono wears Argentina's No.10 jersey in FIFA World Cup qualifiers
Franco Mastantuono, the 18-year-old midfielder, who played just his second match for the Argentina senior team, surprised everyone by wearing Lionel Messi's iconic No.10 jersey in the game against Ecuador.
In the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers game against Ecuador, Argentina, and Real Madrid's new star, Franco Mastantuono, did something that no one imagined. In Argentina's 0-1 defeat against Ecuador, the 18-year-old midfielder came out wearing the No.10 jersey, a number that fans associate only with Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi for their great careers with the La Albiceleste.
Nicloas Otamendi's 31-minute last-man foul had already turned the defending champions into a 10-man team. A few minutes later, at the stroke of half-time, Enner Valencia converted the penalty for the home side to give Ecuador a 1-0 lead.
Post half-time, Ecuador was also reduced to 10 men after Moisés Caicedo, the Chelsea star, was shown the second yellow card of the match. That allowed Lionel Scaloni to look for goals and somehow equalise.
At the one-hour mark, the Argentine boss brought Franco Mastantuono from the bench to replace Leandro Paredes.
What happened after that stunned the crowd and everyone watching the match as Mastantuono came out wearing the Jersey No.10 in the absence of Lionel Messi.
Messi, who started with the No.19 jersey for the Argentine senior team, did an outstanding job of justice to the famous No.10 jersey of Diego Armando, who everyone hails as one of the greatest to ever play the game.
Which No. Mastantuono wear for Real Madrid?
With Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham and other stars being there, Mastantuono had to choose a number like 30 for the Real Madrid team. He was brought to Real Madrid from River Plate with a huge transfer fee of €45.00m, which is one of the highest for a teenager ever.
Mastantuono, to date, has only played two games for Argentina and has yet to score or assist for the senior team. With Real Madrid, he has appeared only three times so far and has yet to register any goal contributions.
Till now, along with the hosts USA, Mexico and Canada, fifteen other teams have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Tunisia, Colombia, and Morocco were the latest teams to qualify for the event.
The participating teams' line-up for the FIFA World Cup 2026 has started taking shape, as Iran and Argentina have booked their place from the qualification round into the finals of the tournament.
In 2022, the FIFA World Cupprovided an unforgettable experience for over 1 billion viewers who tuned in. LionelMessi-led Argentina to victory, giving the nation moments of joy and a fitting tribute to the late Diego Maradona while solidifying his place among players who have won every major trophy.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his team in their bid to improve the quality of the World Cup and promote inclusivity increased the number of teams that will participate in the World Cup from an initial 32 teams to 48 teams.
The teams will be split into 12 groups of 4 teams, with the top 2 of each group and the 8 best third-placed teams progressing to a new Round of 32,
The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and will be jointly hosted by 16 cities in three North American countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The tournament will be the first hosted by three nations and the first North American World Cup since 1994 and will be the first World Cup since 2002 to be hosted by more than one nation.
Qualification for the World Cup is done based on the regions of the World. Each regional Confederation is responsible for its qualification tournament, which will consist of at least one round of competition using the following formats
Confederations can use a League format in which each team in a group plays all other teams in their group twice – once at home and once away.
A single round-robin format in which each team in a group plays all other teams in their group once, with the venues either drawn at random or assigned by the confederation with the agreement of the playing association
A Knockout format in which each team in a round plays one other team over two legs once at home and once away.
With FIFA's permission, a tournament is held in one of the participating nations or neutral territory.
With FIFA's permission, a single-leg knockout format.
Europe has 16 slots, Asia has 8 slots with one extra from playoffs making it 9, Africa has 9 slots with one extra coming from playoffs,South America has 6 with one extra coming from playoffs making a total of 7, North America has 6 slots with 3 already taken due to the host nations.
Teams That Have Qualified
With qualifications still ongoing, the only nations that have qualified are the host nations, namely the United States of America, Mexico, and Canada qualification process for the World Cup will be ongoing till the end of November 2025, and till then, teams will be struggling to qualify.
1. The USA
Despite not predominantly being a football nation, the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) has managed to establish a formidable team with the likes of Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun.
The appointment of Argentinian Mauricio Pochettino as their head coach shows some sign of intent that the country intends to go as far as possible in the World Cup.
Mexico has qualified for every World Cup in the past decade, but playing on home soil will give them the advantage of fan support. While they may be without their veteran goalkeeper Ochoa, who has been crucial in past tournaments, they remain a team not to be underestimated.
Canada had a memorable 2022 World Cup in Qatar, highlighted by their surprising win against Belgium. However, they lost their remaining group games to Morocco and Croatia, leading to their early exit from the tournament.
Known for their attacking football, Canada relies on pace in midfield and attack, with Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies being key to their World Cup ambitions.
Teams from the Qualifier Rounds
4. Japan
Japan has become the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup from the qualification round. On March 20, Thursday, Hajime Moriyasu's side beat Bahrain 2-0 in Group C of the AFC World Cup qualifiers.
Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo scored in the second half to inspire the Samurai Blue to ensure their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance, guaranteeing a top-two finish in the qualifiers standings.
New Zealand has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the third time with a 3-0 home win over New Caledonia in the OFC Qualifiers Final on Monday, March 24.
Three second-half goals from Michael Boxall, Kosta Barbarouses, and Elijah led New Zealand to a comfortable 3-0 win at Eden Park in Auckland. This win marks the All Whites' return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010 when they registered three draws against Slovakia, Italy, and Paraguay in South Africa.
For the first time, the All Whites qualified directly for a World Cup, as Oceania received an automatic spot in next year’s 48-team tournament, rather than having to go through an intercontinental play-off as they did in the past.
6. Iran
(Image Credit | AFP)
Iran have become the second Asian side to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals following a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan on March 25 in the third round of the AFC World Cup Qualifiers Group A.
Mehdi Taremi's brace secured a point for Iran to stay atop the Group A table with 20 points in 8 matches, securing the guaranteed top two finish in the group stage. On the other hand, Uzbekistan is just one victory away from their inaugural World Cup appearance.
Tino pai to our fantastic national football team🙌 Mean as! Iran has secured its place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the third team to qualify after Japan and @NZ_Football Ka mau te wehi 🇮🇷 This marks our fourth consecutive appearance after 2014,2018,and2022!#FIFAWorldCuppic.twitter.com/2RjE9j2gpa
— The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran (@iranembassy_nz) March 25, 2025
Despite the qualification format being made easier for Asia due to the expanded 48-team World Cup, Iran has sealed the passage to their fourth World Cup finals in a row, and seventh in their history.
In the AFC Qualifiers, the top two teams qualify directly for the World Cup, while the teams finishing third and fourth in the three Asian groups will enter an additional qualifying round.
7. Argentina
(Image Credit | EPA)
The reigning World Champions have stormed into the FIFA World Cup 2026 following a 4-1 crushing over eternal rivals Brazil in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers on March 26.
La Albiceleste currently top the table with 31 points in 14 matches, 16 points clear of seventh-placed Venezuela, with the required seven points at this point.
8. Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 as the 8th team to qualify till now. They have qualified in virtue of finishing in the top two in Group A of the AFC's third-round of qualifiers.
This is the first time they have qualified for the FIFA World Cup. Not only that, they are the first Central Asia country to qualify for the grandest stage of football.
South Korea qualified for their 11th straight FIFA World Cup after finishing in the top two of the AFC third round qualifiers. Tottenham's Son Heung-min, Wolves' Hwang Hee-chan, Bayern Munich's Kim Min-jae and Paris Saint-Germain's Lee Kang-in all will be ready to star for South Korea in the upcoming World Cup.
Ali Olwan scored a hat-trick against Oman to take Jordan to their maiden FIFA World Cup
While South Korea sealed their spot at the FIFA World Cup with that 2-0 victory over Iraq, their win also ensured that Jordan will be playing at their first-ever FIFA World Cup next year.
Ali Olwan's hat-trick has given them a big 3-0 win over Oman, and after South Korea's win, they will now create history at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
In Group B of the AFC Third round qualifiers, Jordan lost only one match and finished in the top two of the group, below South Korea.
Socceroos confirmed their place at a sixth successive FIFA World Cup after beating Saudi Arabia by 2-1 in Saudi Arabia. Connor Metcalfe (42), Mitch Duke (48) scored for the Aussies to help them win after falling behind by a 19-minute goal from Abdulrahman Al-Aboud.
Australia have now confirmed the top spot in Group C in the AFC Third round qualifiers. Japan are leading Group C, which have already qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Brazil continued their run at the FIFA World Cup after ensuring qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026. They are the only team to qualify for every FIFA World Cup.
The Selecao defeated Paraguay by 1-0 as Vinicius Jr. handed a special gift to new Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti for his 66th birthday.
VINIIII JR.!!!!
TINHAA QUE SER ELE!! BELO PRESENTÃO DE ANIVERSÁRIO PARA O MISTER 🇧🇷🇧🇷
Paraguay became the 14th team to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 after their 0-0 draw against Ecuador on 4 September. This will be their first FIFA World Cup qualification since 2010.
PARAGUAY 🇵🇾 ARE GOING TO THE FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 🏆
They will be playing the FIFA World Cup first time since 2010!
With their 3-0 win over Peru on September 4, Uruguay reached a fifth successive World Cup. Rodrigo Aguirre, Giorgian De Arrascaeta, and Federico Vinas scored the goals for the South American nation.
16. Colombia
With their 3-0 victory over Bolivia on September 4, Colombia qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 after missing out on the previous edition. James Rodriguez became the first Colombian player to score 30 international goals after Falcao (36).
Morocco became the first African nation to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 after their thumping 5-0 victory over Niger.
With 21 points from seven games, they have earned a place in the showpiece.
18. Tunisia
The Carthage Eagles qualified for their seventh FIFA World Cup as they sealed a narrow 1-0 win over Equatorial Guinea. A stoppage-time winner from Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane helped the North African nation to top Group H of the African Qualifiers with 22 points after 8 matches.
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.
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.