Uruguay vs Argentina, FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Highlights: Almadas strike helps Argentina beat Uruguay by 1-0 in a physical match
Read the highlights of the Uruguay vs Argentina, FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, CONMEBOL, Round of 13 match as Thiago Almada's goal helped Argentina win by 1-0
Hello and welcome to another LIVE coverage of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Today, we'll be covering the big match of Uruguay versus Argentina, the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, and the CONMEBOL round of 13 match.
Uruguay will host the World Champions at the Estadio Campeon del Siglo in Montevideo with the aim of achieving automatic qualification for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
La Celeste are in the second position with 20 points after 12 games, while Argentina are at the top of the table with 25 points after 12 games.
So, as both teams look to register a win and qualify for the World Cup automatically, this is set to be an exciting game. This is Koushik Biswas, with the buildup, LIVE news, updates and free commentary of the match for you. Enjoy the coverage.
LIVE Updates
Mar 21, 2025, 11:31 PM
Final Score
Mar 22, 2025, 1:55 AM
Final thoughts!
It was a very, very physical match, and the ground condition also did not allow the players to have a great game.
The second half, though, was more fluid from both sides. A few saves from Rochet prevented the opener. But Thiago Almada found a way to score a stunning goal to hand them the win.
A red card for Nicolás González right before the end of the game did not cause too much trouble to the World Champions as well.
All right, this is Koushik Biswas, signing off. I hope you enjoyed the coverage. Good morning. if you are from Asia. See you on the next LIVE Blog.
Mar 22, 2025, 1:50 AM
Points table after the match!
Team
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
Form
1. Argentina
13
9
1
3
22
7
15
28
D W L W W
2. Ecuador
13
7
4
2
13
5
8
22
D D W W W
3. Brazil
13
6
3
4
19
12
7
21
W W D D W
4. Uruguay
13
5
5
3
17
10
7
20
D L D W D
5. Paraguay
13
5
5
3
9
7
2
20
D W W D W
6. Colombia
13
5
4
4
16
12
4
19
L W L L L
7. Bolivia
13
4
1
8
14
30
-16
13
W L L D L
8. Venezuela
13
2
6
5
12
17
-5
12
D L D L L
9. Peru
13
2
4
7
6
16
-10
10
W L D L W
10. Chile
13
2
3
8
9
21
-12
9
L L D W L
Mar 22, 2025, 1:28 AM
Full time | Uruguay 0-1 Argentina
A tough, tough 3 points for the Argentine team.
A thudding strike from the youngster Thiago Almada was good enough for them to get the win.
Argentine were down to 10 me at the fag end of the game, but it did not hurt them that much.
They stay at the top of the points table with 28 points, 6 points clear of second-placed Ecuador.
Argentina get their first win of 2025!
Thiago Almada's thunderous strike was good enough for the World Champions to get a 1-0 win over neighbours Uruguay.
The boy who is set to replace Lionel Messi in the future does the job for his country.
A curling shot from just outside the box, and it goes straight in to the goal. Rochet could not have done anything to it.
Argentina take the lead.
Mar 22, 2025, 12:54 AM
64' | Yellow card
Yellow card for Nandez for a foul Mac Allister, the first of the game, finally.
Mar 22, 2025, 12:53 AM
64' | Another save from Rochet
That was the second save from the goalkeeper in the last two minutes. Argentina are creating chances now. This time it was Molina making an effort at the goal.
Mar 22, 2025, 12:52 AM
62' | Rochet makes a save
Rochet makes another save as Simione attempted from close range. He already had two great chances in the second half.
Mar 22, 2025, 12:50 AM
61' | Romero with a block
Romero blocks a shot from Maximiliano Araújo, from a close range.
Mar 22, 2025, 12:50 AM
The battle for the ball
Mar 22, 2025, 12:47 AM
58' | Change for Uruguay
Pellistri is replaced by Brian Rodríguez.
Mar 22, 2025, 12:47 AM
57' | Simione with a chance
From a corner, Simione had the chance to shoot the ball inside the goal from the middle. But, he could not connect his shot.
Mar 22, 2025, 12:46 AM
56' | Rochet is down
Rochet is down after a tussle with Alavrez inside the box. Stoppage in play.
Mar 22, 2025, 12:45 AM
55' | End to end now
The second half has been faster and better for both teams. After a counterattack from Argentina, we now see a counterattack from Uruguay as well.
Mar 22, 2025, 12:43 AM
53' | Foul on Mac Allister
Another chaotic moment in the middle as Olivera stepped on Mac Allister and the referee this time again did not show any card.
Mar 22, 2025, 12:41 AM
51' | Save from Martinez
Valverde with a shot from outside of the box. The ball dropped in front of Martinez, who grabbed the ball cautiously.
Mar 22, 2025, 12:39 AM
49' | Save from Rochet
Argentine, in a counterattack, nearly found the first goal of the night. Mac Allister and Alvarez tead up to find Almada on the right, whose shot was saved by Rochet.
Mar 22, 2025, 12:35 AM
Second half starts
No changes from either team.
Mar 22, 2025, 12:30 AM
Sums up the first half
There where more fouls (9) than shots (6) in the first half of the Uruguay vs. Argentina match. pic.twitter.com/Pfe2oHMyY8
— The Touchline | Football Coverage (@TouchlineX) March 22, 2025
Mar 22, 2025, 12:20 AM
Half-time | URU 0-0 ARG
Not so pleasant 45 minutes from any neutral viewer.
Lots of fouls, a few brawls, misplaced passes and only a few shots on the goal.
Lots of work needs to be done by both teams.
Mar 22, 2025, 12:18 AM
45+2' | Yellow card
Foul by De La Curz on Paredes. The subs threw an elbow at the Argentine player.
Mar 22, 2025, 12:16 AM
45' | 2 minutes added
2 minutes have been added as the injury time.
Mar 22, 2025, 12:15 AM
43' | Brawl in the middle
There was a brawl in the middle after the referee denied a penalty for Argentina.
Earlier, Simione's shot was saved by Rochet, and then the rebound ball was also blocked by Jiminez.
Mar 22, 2025, 12:12 AM
42' | Change for Uruguay
Dela Cruz replaces Arrascaeta.
Mar 22, 2025, 12:11 AM
40' | Nunez is down
Nunez is down after a tussle against Romero and Emiliano Martinez. Martinez came running for the lobbed ball while Romero made sure he had the back against Nunez.
Mar 22, 2025, 12:09 AM
39' | Nandez with a bock
Nandez with a good block as Simione swapped his side and went for a shot at the goal.
Mar 22, 2025, 12:08 AM
37' | Simione with an interception
The Atletico Madrid player ran back hard to get the ball away from a dangerous position for Argentina.
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) March 21, 2025
Mar 22, 2025, 12:00 AM
29' | Tagliafico is down
Tagliafico is down after tussling with an incoming Emiliano Martinez, who came hard to get the overlapping ball from Nandez.
Mar 21, 2025, 11:59 PM
27' | Easy save
Easy save for Rochet, as that interception from Tagliafico helped Argentina make a counterattack. Enzo with the curling shot for the Argentine team.
Mar 21, 2025, 11:58 PM
27' | Tagliafico with an interception
Tagliafico with a great interception in the final third to win the ball back from Núñez.
Mar 21, 2025, 11:56 PM
25' | Free-kick for Uruguay
Otamendi fouls Nandez just 10 yards from the box.
Free-kick from a dangerous position for them.
Mar 21, 2025, 11:54 PM
23' | Argentina trying to builup
Argentina are looking to be paitecne now with their attack. Enzo and Mac Allister are trying to be there provider in the middle alongside Romero.
In the meantime, Simione and Julian are acting as their main offensive men.
Mar 21, 2025, 11:50 PM
19' | Wide from Paredes
First shot of the game comes from Paredes. He took a chance with a right-footed shot from outside the box. He was far away from the goal, though.
Mar 21, 2025, 11:49 PM
18' | Otamendi with an interception
The Argentine captain comes between the cross from the right side by M. Araujo.
Mar 21, 2025, 11:46 PM
16' | Good from Bentancur
Argentina were going for a counterattack as Alvarez found Simeone with a turning pass. But Bentancur came from behind to win the ball back for Uruguay.
Mar 21, 2025, 11:45 PM
14' | Both teams looking a bit rusty
Both teams are looking a bit rusty as they keep on losing balls and misplacing passes.
Mar 21, 2025, 11:42 PM
11' | Pellistri is down
Pellistri is down after a tussle with Mac Allister.
Mar 21, 2025, 11:39 PM
9' | Miss from Julian
It is not a miss but if Julian could have controlled the ball well and did not lose the ball from a long ball by Emi Martinez, he could have been one-on-one against Rochet.
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) March 21, 2025
Mar 21, 2025, 10:56 PM
Lineups | Argentina
Starting XI: E. Martínez, N. Molina, C. Romero, N. Otamendi (c), N. Tagliafico, E. Fernández, L. Paredes, A. Mac Allister, G. Simeone, J. Álvarez, T. Almada
Subs: Gerónimo Rulli, Walter Benítez, Leonardo Balerdi, Germán Pezzella, Facundo Medina, Nicolás González, Rodrigo de Paul, Nico Paz, Exequiel Palacios, Benjamín Domínguez, Ángel Correa, Santiago Castro
Mar 21, 2025, 10:53 PM
Lineups | Uruguay
Starting XI: S. Rochet, N. Nández, R. Araújo, J. M. Giménez (c), M. Olivera, F. Valverde, R. Bentancur, Arrascaeta, Maximiliano Araújo, F. Pellistri, D. Núñez
Subs: Santiago Mele, Franco Israel, Marcelo Saracchi, Santiago Bueno, Guillermo Varela, Sebastián Cáceres, Brian Rodríguez, Nicolás de la Cruz, Nicolas Fonseca, Luciano Rodríguez, Federico Viñas, Rodrigo Aguirre
Mar 21, 2025, 7:53 PM
Why Lionel Messi will not feature in this match?
Lionel Messi, the Argentine captain, will miss the match due to an injury he sustained during an MLS game for Inter Miami.
Manchester United star Manuel Ugarte will miss the match due to a card issue. He has been suspended for the match due to the accumulation of yellow cards.
Mar 21, 2025, 7:48 PM
Uruguay Squad!
📋 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗩𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗗𝗢𝗦
Lista de jugadores confirmados por Marcelo Bielsa para la doble fecha de marzo en la que enfrentaremos a Argentina y Bolivia.
📋 This is the final squad list called up by Lionel Scaloni for the upcoming matches against Uruguay and Brazil in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers! 📝 pic.twitter.com/j34xzALRDY
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) March 17, 2025
Mar 21, 2025, 7:46 PM
Argentina recent form in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Date
Home Team
Score
Away Team
Result
20/11/24
Argentina
1 - 0
Peru
W
15/11/24
Paraguay
2 - 1
Argentina
L
16/10/24
Argentina
6 - 0
Bolivia
W
11/10/24
Venezuela
1 - 1
Argentina
D
11/09/24
Colombia
2 - 1
Argentina
L
06/09/24
Argentina
3 - 0
Chile
W
Mar 21, 2025, 7:44 PM
Uruguay recent form in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Date
Home Team
Score
Away Team
Result
20/11/24
Brazil
1 - 1
Uruguay
D
16/11/24
Uruguay
3 - 2
Colombia
W
16/10/24
Uruguay
0 - 0
Ecuador
D
12/10/24
Peru
1 - 0
Uruguay
L
11/09/24
Venezuela
0 - 0
Uruguay
D
07/09/24
Uruguay
0 - 0
Paraguay
D
Mar 21, 2025, 7:41 PM
Uruguay vs Argentina: Head-to-head stats in official games (No friendlies)
Statistic
Value
Matches Played
49
Uruguay won
17
Argentina won
24
Draws
8
Mar 21, 2025, 7:39 PM
Venue for the match | Estadio Centenario
Mar 21, 2025, 7:33 PM
How to watch the match?
Region
Streaming/Broadcast
Argentina
TyC Sports Play, Telefe Argentina, TyC Sports Argentina
Uruguay
NS Eventos 1, AUF TV, Antel TV, DIRECTV Sports Uruguay, TCC, Montecable HD 1, Cardinal TV
US
Fanatiz, TyC Sports International
UK
Premier Sports 1
Australia
SBS, SBS On Demand
India
FanCode
Mar 21, 2025, 7:31 PM
Match Details
Match:Uruguay vs Argentina match - 2026 World Cup Conmebol Qualifiers
10 biggest football transfers from Premier League to La Liga
Discover the 10 biggest football transfers from the Premier League to Laliga, featuring players like Eden Hazard, and Phillipe Coutinho and legends like Luis Suarez and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Laliga clubs regularly own some of the biggest names in the world of football. Many of their top stars have come from abroad, often moving from the Premier League to La Liga. However, some superstars were not so successful in Laliga after the transfers. Trent Alexander Arnold is more likely to be the next biggest football transfer from the Premier League to Laliga. Discover the 10 biggest football transfers from the Premier League to Laliga, featuring players like Eden Hazard, and Phillipe Coutinho and legends like Luis Suarez and Cristiano Ronaldo.
10 biggest football transfers from Premier League to La Liga:
Rank
Player
From
To
Transfer Fee
1
Phillipe Coutinho
Liverpool
FC Barcelona
€142 million
2
Eden Hazard
Chelsea
Real Madrid
€130 million
3
Gareth Bale
Tottenham Hotspurs
Real Madrid
€85 million
4
Cristiano Ronaldo
Manchester United
Real Madrid
€80 million
5
Julian Alvarez
Manchester City
Atletico Madrid
€82 million
6
Luis Suarez
Liverpool
FC Barcelona
€75 million
7
Diego Costa
Chelsea
Atletico Madrid
€57 million
8
Raphinha
Leeds United
FC Barcelona
€67 million
9
Ferran Torres
Manchester City
FC Barcelona
€46 million
10
Conor Gallagher
Chelsea
Atletico Madrid
€35 million
10. Conor Gallagher | Chelsea to Atletico Madrid | €35 million:
Image Credit: Sky Sports
Conor Gallagher was one of the key players for Chelsea in his final season. He is a Chelsea academy player, despite being an academy graduate of Chelsea, the Blues sold him to the Laliga side Atletico Madrid for €35 million and became one of the players with the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga.
He has seemed a perfect fit for Diego Simeone’s managed side, though he has rotated with other midfielders. Gallagher scored an important Champions League goal against Real Madrid, during a round of 16 match in which Atletico was heartbreakingly beaten on penalties.
9. Ferran Torres | Manchester City to FC Barcelona | €46 million:
Image Credit: Barca Universal
FC Barcelona paid €46 million to Ferran Torres from Manchester City in 2022. But he was never able to prove his worth in FC Barcelona, he was one of the failed yet one the biggest transfers from the Premier League to Laliga.
The winger had never scored more than 10 goals in a single campaign for the La Liga giants. Torres played 145 games at Barcelona and has started almost exactly half (73), which shows the coaches he has played under have been aware that he cannot impact games.
8. Raphinha | Leeds United to FC Barcelona | €50 million:
Image Credit: Republic World
Raphinha was not a major signing for FC Barcelona, yet among the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga. In the first season, Raphinha scored 14 goals and contributed in 15 goals. However, in the 2024/25 season, Raphinha found his lost form under Hansi Flick as he scored 27 goals and delivered 20 assists. Now the Brazilian winger is one of the players who is getting Ballon d'Or shouts in 2025.
7. Diego Costa | Chelsea to Atletico Madrid | €57 million:
Image Credit: Reddit
Costa played for Atletico Madrid on a few different occasions. He had already left once before coming back in 2010 by the time he moved to Chelsea in 2014, and four years later, he was back, with Atletico Madrid paying €57 million for him.
Diego Costa was one of the players also among the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga. In his final season before leaving for the Premier League, Costa scored 36 goals, and in three seasons at Stamford Bridge, he scored 59 goals and 21 assists. The Spanish forward 81 games in four seasons after his return but scored just 19 goals in that time.
6. Luis Suarez | Liverpool to FC Barcelona | €75 million:
Image Credit: FC Barcelona
Barcelona had seen enough from Suarez in just two and a half seasons at Liverpool to sign him for an initially reported fee of £75million. That he’d move onto bigger things was unsurprising after notching 31 goals and 13 assists in his final season in the Premier League.
Luis Suarez was one of the key players also among the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga. The Uruguayan forward scored 195 goals and assisted 113 in 283 games, in his second season at Barca, scoring a remarkable 40 La Liga goals, along with 18 assists. Across all competitions that season, Suarez scored 54 goals and assisted 24.
5. Julian Alvarez | Manchester City to Atletico Madrid | €80 million:
Image Credit: X
One of the most recent players to the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga, Julian Alvarez moved to Manchester City for Atletico Madrid in the summer transfer window of the 2024 season. He already has 23 goals and five assists this season, including eight direct goal contributions in the Champions League. So far, the move looks a positive one for Alvarez.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo | Manchester United to Real Madrid | €80 million:
Image Credit: Sporting News
Cristiano Ronaldo was undoubtedly the best move from the Premier League to La Liga in history. He broke new ground with a transfer worth approximately £80million from Manchester United. The previous world-record transfer was Zinedine Zidane to Real Madrid, which had stood for eight years.
Ronaldo was one of the most devastating forwards in the world for his entire spell at Real Madrid, scoring 450 goals and assisting 131 in 438 games. Ronaldo is the most successful and among the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga. He won the Ballon d’Or in 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017 while he was a Real Madrid player.
3. Gareth Bale | Tottenham Hotspurs to Real Madrid | €85 million:
Image Credit: Sporting News
At the time of his transfer to Real Madrid for approximately £85million, Bale’s was a world-record move. Gareth Bale was among the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga.
Bale would win five Champions Leagues with Real, as well as three La Liga titles, among many other honors. Throughout seven seasons, he scored 106 goals and assisted 67 times.
2. Eden Hazard | Chelsea to Real Madrid | €130 million:
Image Credit: Sky Sports
Eden Hazard was one of the failed transfers yet and second-placed in the list of the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga. That he never played 20 La Liga games in a single season, showed how much Hazard struggled, and he retired at just 32 years of age, having played just 10 games in his final season. The Belgian failed to match that single-season total in 76 games across his entire Real Madrid career.
1. Phillipe Coutinho | Liverpool to FC Barcelona | €142 million:
Image Credit: Barca Blaugranes
The biggest football transfer from the Premier League to La Liga, Barcelona spent an astonishing £142million to sign the midfielder from Liverpool. At Liverpool, he had become an iconic figure, having a direct hand in 97 goals in 201 games.
After 13 direct goal contributions in his first 18 La Liga games, Coutinho slowed with only seven contributions in the 32 games he played in the season. The Brazilian left for Aston Villa, after only 39 goal contributions in 106 games at Barcelona.
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Liverpool FC is reportedly on the verge of arranging Darwin Nunez's departure from Anfield this summer if the Saudi Arabian revives its interest in the striker.
The Uruguayan striker had moved to the Reds from Portuguese giants Benfica in a deal worth up to £85 million back in the summer transfer window of 2022.
With a struggling season continuing for him at the Merseyside club, Nunez is believed to be out of new coach Arne Slot's plans and will look to rejuvenate his career in the Gulf.
Nunez may leave Liverpool in the upcoming transfer window
(Image Source | Yahoo)
Nunez's Liverpool career has been affected by difficulties, as he has found it hard to establish himself in the club throughout his early years.
In his three years at the Merseyside club, he has scored 40 goals in 136 games across all competitions, but this season has been the most disappointing so far for the 25-year-old, as he has scored just seven times across all competitions.
With the direction of new head coach Arne Slot, Nunez has found himself out of favor, another contributing factor to speculation about his future.
🗞️ Liverpool are reportedly expecting major transfer offers from clubs in the Saudi Pro League for Darwin Nunez this summer.
Renowned Football Transfer journalist Duncan Castles broke the news on the latest episode of 'The Transfers Podcast' that Liverpool would accept a big Saudi Arabian offer and would be willing to urge Nunez to leave if they come back for him. Castles stated:
Liverpool would be happy if the Saudis came in and would encourage a move for Nunez. They would like to get some kind of significant return on the initial €75 million that they paid Benfica three years ago.
“From the Saudi perspective, [Nunez] still has that ability to be a name within the Saudi game and to deliver goals with his physicality. Interestingly, I’m told that his girlfriend, Lorena Manas, who is the ex-wife of former Barcelona player Aleix Vidal, has been working with agents to explore opportunities elsewhere.
“So it looks like this is both sides pushing against the same door with Nunez, or at least Nunez’s partner, encouraging him to look for a move and Liverpool happy to sell the player with a strong, affluent potential buyer in Saudi Arabia.
Interestingly, it had been hinted that Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr had made a substantial annual deal of €35 million towards Nunez back in January, having already made an offer of £58 million for the forward.
According to reports, Nunez's girlfriend, Lorena Manas, has also been working closely with agents to look into possible transfers in mutual consent, implying a joint pressure for a potential move.
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.
The World Cup presents the greatest chance for players to fulfill a lifelong dream of representing their nations on the global stage, with another edition nearby Sportz Point presents the countries that have booked a spot in the final
World Champions Argentina qualify for the World Cup 2026. (Image Credit | AP)
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
(Image Credit | AP)
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 than the required seven points at this point.
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.