South America’s fiercest rivals, Argentina and Brazil, will clash once again on Tuesday night during Matchday 14 of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The top six teams from the CONMEBOL region will secure their spots in North America next summer, and both football giants are on track to qualify without much difficulty.
Argentina, the reigning Copa America champions and World Cup winners, have dominated the qualifying campaign from the start. Currently leading the table by six points after a narrow 1-0 victory over Uruguay, Lionel Scaloni’s side now has the opportunity to secure their qualification against Brazil. With Bolivia trailing Argentina by 15 points in seventh place, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Brazil, on the other hand, secured a dramatic 2-1 win over Colombia in their last outing, solidifying their position in third place. However, this qualifying campaign has been a struggle for the five-time World Cup winners. Under Dorival Junior, Brazil has found some stability and improved results in recent matches, going unbeaten in their last five games and remaining undefeated since September.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in this blockbuster South American showdown.
Argentina vs Brazil: Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Argentina:
- Uruguay 0-1 Argentina (21/03/25)
- Argentina 1-0 Peru (20/11/24)
- Paraguay 2-1 Argentina (14/11/24)
- Argentina 6-0 Bolivia (16/10/24)
- Venezuela 1-1 Argentina (10/10/24)
Brazil:
- Brazil 2-1 Colombia (21/03/25)
- Brazil 1-1 Uruguay (20/11/24)
- Venezuela 1-1 Brazil (14/11/24)
- Brazil 4-0 Peru (16/10/24)
- Chile 1-2 Brazil (11/10/24)
Team News
Argentina will be without their talisman Lionel Messi, who is sidelined with an adductor injury sustained while playing for Inter Miami. Other notable absences include striker Lautaro Martinez (hamstring) and Paulo Dybala, whose season has ended due to surgery. Nico Gonzalez is suspended after being sent off against Uruguay. However, midfield workhorse Rodrigo De Paul is expected to return to full fitness, and Nicolas Otamendi, the match-winner in the reverse fixture, will anchor the defense alongside Cristian Romero.
Brazil, meanwhile, will miss several key players, including Ederson and Neymar. Starting goalkeeper Alisson has returned to Liverpool after picking up an injury against Colombia, paving the way for Bento to make his third international start. Midfielder Gerson is also out with an injury, while Gabriel and Bruno Guimaraes are suspended. Wolves’ Andre is likely to start in midfield alongside Newcastle’s Joelinton.
Predicted Lineups
Argentina (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Mac Allister; Simeone, Fernandez, Almada; Alvarez.
Brazil (4-2-3-1): Bento; Vanderson, Marquinhos, Ortiz, Arana; Joelinton, Andre; Rodrygo, Raphinha, Vinicius JR; Pedro.
Match Preview
Matches between these two South American powerhouses are rarely easy on the eye, and this one is expected to be no different. Despite the absence of star players like Messi and Neymar, Argentina have been the world’s best-performing nation under Scaloni. While they’ve shown vulnerabilities during qualifying, they’ve consistently delivered in crucial moments.
Brazil, though improving, have struggled for consistency in this campaign. Expect a gritty, hard-fought contest in Buenos Aires, with Argentina narrowly edging out their rivals, much like their 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture in November 2023.
Prediction: Argentina 1-0 Brazil
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