Argentina celebrated their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in spectacular fashion, securing a commanding 4-1 victory over arch-rivals Brazil at the Estadio Monumental on Tuesday. The reigning world champions delivered a stunning performance, marking their automatic qualification in style.
Early Celebration Sets the Tone
Before kickoff, Argentina had already secured their place in the tournament after Bolivia’s goalless draw with Uruguay earlier in the evening. The result ensured a festive atmosphere in Buenos Aires, and the home team did not disappoint, delivering a dominant display against their South American rivals.
First-Half Brilliance from Argentina
The hosts wasted no time asserting their dominance. Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez opened the scoring in the 6th minute, latching onto a perfectly timed through ball from Thiago Almada and chipping a precise finish past Brazil’s goalkeeper Bento.
Just six minutes later, Argentina doubled their lead. Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández capitalized on a defensive lapse, calmly slotting home after a low cross caught Brazil’s backline off guard.
Despite Argentina’s early dominance, Brazil found a glimmer of hope in the 26th minute. Cristian Romero’s misjudged touch allowed Matheus Cunha to pounce, drilling a low shot past Emiliano Martínez to make it 2-1. However, any momentum for the visitors was quickly extinguished.
Mac Allister and Simeone Seal Victory
Argentina reasserted their control in the 37th minute with a spectacular goal from Alexis Mac Allister. Almada once again provided the assist, lofting a pinpoint pass into the area. Mac Allister met it first-time with a powerful volley, restoring Argentina’s two-goal cushion.
The second half saw Argentina continue their relentless attacking display. In the 71st minute, Giuliano Simeone, son of football icon Diego Simeone, scored his first international goal in emphatic fashion. The 22-year-old found the net from a difficult angle, sealing Argentina’s dominant 4-1 triumph.
Argentina Leads South American Qualifying Table
With the victory, Argentina solidified their position at the top of the South American qualifying group. The team now boasts 31 points from 14 matches, securing one of the six automatic qualification spots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Brazil, meanwhile, sits in fourth place, struggling to find consistency in their campaign.
Other South American Qualifiers: Ecuador, Uruguay, and Venezuela Progress
In other key South American qualifiers:
- Ecuador maintained their qualification hopes with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Chile in Santiago, keeping them second in the standings with 23 points.
- Uruguay took advantage of Brazil’s loss, climbing to third place following their draw with Bolivia.
- Colombia missed an opportunity to close the gap at the top, settling for a 2-2 draw with Paraguay. Luis Díaz and Jhon Durán gave Colombia an early lead, but Paraguay equalized through Junior Alonso and Julio Enciso.
- Venezuela inched closer to their first-ever World Cup qualification with a crucial 1-0 victory over Peru. Salomón Rondón converted a penalty in the 41st minute, keeping Venezuela on course for an inter-confederation playoff spot.
With four qualification games remaining, Argentina has already secured their ticket to the World Cup, but the competition remains fierce for the remaining spots. Brazil will need to regroup quickly to solidify their place, while nations like Venezuela and Ecuador continue their push for historic qualifications.
