Brazil vs Argentina: World Cup qualifier Match Preview, Team News, Lineups and Prediction
Brazil and Argentina will face each other in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers at the iconic Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
Both teams will look to bounce back after losing their last qualifying game. Brazil lost 2-1 to Colombia, while table-toppers Argentina lost 2-0 to Uruguay.
Match Preview
Brazil’s form in the qualifiers have not been good, as they have two wins, one draw and two defeats. Moreover, they sit fifth in the table, five points off leaders Argentina.
Fernando Diniz’s side opened their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign with back-to-back wins over Bolivia and Peru. However, after that, they drew 1-1 against Venezuela and lost 2-0 to Uruguay.
To make matters worse, they lost 2-1 to Colombia last week, as Luis Diaz scored a brace after Gabriel Martinelli had made the breakthrough in the fourth minute of the contest.
Argentina won the 2022 World Cup last year after beating France in a pulsating final to secure the trophy for the third time in their history.
Since beating France in the final, La Albiceleste have recorded four straight wins, as they managed to overcome Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay and Peru in their first four 2026 World Cup qualification matches. These four wins also left them on top of the table with 12 points.
Nevertheless, Uruguay shocked Argentina last week after handing them a 2-0 defeat with goals from Ronald Araujo and Darwin Nunez. This was also Argentina’s first defeat since going down 2-1 to Saudi Arabia in their opening game of the last World Cup.
Both Brazil and Argentina would want a big win before the end of this year to boost their morale.
Brazil team news
Ederson, Danilo, Eder Militao, Casemiro, Neymar and Richarlison are all major absentees for Brazil in their fixture against Argentina.
Moreover, Vinicius Jr will also be out after suffering a hamstring injury in the first half against Colombia and will be out for at least 3 months. Brighton’s Joao Pedro will replace him.
Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz could be introduced to strengthen the midfield alongside Andre and Bruno Guimaraes.
Argentina team news
Despite his side’s 2-0 loss to Uruguay, Lionel Scaloni is not expected to make many changes in his starting XI that will face Brazil.
Nevertheless, Lautaro Martinez can be introduced in the side, and Nicolas Gonzalez can be dropped down to the bench.
Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho was surprisingly left out of the latest squad, while his club teammate Lisandro Martinez is also absent due to a foot injury.
Brazil vs Argentina: Predicted line-ups
Brazil (4-3-3): Alisson; Emerson, Marquinhos, Magalhaes, Lodi; Guimaraes, Andre, Luiz; Rodrygo, Martinelli, Raphinha
Argentina (4-3-3): E Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez; Messi, L Martinez, Alvarez
Prediction
Brazil 1-2 Argentina
Both South American powerhouses’ will try to get a win to top off their year with good spirits. Moreover, a win for either side would also help their standings in the table. Argentina have been really strong after winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and have a big chance to get a win over a depleted Brazil side.
