Argentina celebrated their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification in style by beating bitter rivals Brazil 4-1 at Estadio Monumental – their eighth win in nine World Cup Qualifiers (WCQ) on home soil.
Argentina delivered a commanding performance to defeat Brazil 4-1 in the South American 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at Estadio Monumental. The Albiceleste showcased their superiority, dismantling their biggest rivals with clinical finishing and disciplined play. This victory marked their eighth win in nine home World Cup qualifying matches, reinforcing their dominance in the region.
For Brazil, the loss was a major setback, as they dropped to fourth place in the CONMEBOL qualification standings. Their unbeaten streak in the qualifiers came to an end in humiliating fashion, raising serious concerns about their World Cup campaign.
Argentina’s Blazing Start Leaves Brazil Stunned
Argentina wasted no time asserting their dominance. Despite already securing their place in the 2026 World Cup before the match, they showed no signs of complacency. Within the first five minutes, they took the lead when Thiago Almada set up Julián Álvarez, who calmly slotted the ball past Brazilian goalkeeper Bento. The early goal electrified the home crowd and set the tone for the rest of the game.
¡GOOOL DE ARGENTINA! Enzo Fernández aparece en área para empujar la pelota y ampliar la diferencia
12′ | Argentina 2 – 0 Brasil
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— telefe (@telefe) March 26, 2025
Just moments later, Argentina struck again. Nahuel Molina delivered a perfect cross into the box, finding Enzo Fernández, who tapped the ball into the net at the back post. With a 2-0 lead in less than 15 minutes, Argentina looked unstoppable.
¡GOOOL DE ARGENTINA! Enzo Fernández aparece en área para empujar la pelota y ampliar la diferencia
12′ | Argentina 2 – 0 Brasil
Mirá #ArgentinaXTelefe con los comentarios de @JPVarsky y relatos de @giraltpablo por https://t.co/2ECurz6Kmn pic.twitter.com/BTgAaacTFW
— telefe (@telefe) March 26, 2025
Brazil struggled to keep up but found a lifeline in the 18th minute when Argentina made a rare mistake. Cristian Romero hesitated on the ball, allowing Matheus Cunha to intercept and fire a low shot into the bottom corner. This marked the first time in nine Superclásico meetings that both teams had scored.
¡GOL DE BRASIL! ⚽️ Error en la salida del Cuti Romero y Cunha no perdonó
26′ | Argentina 2 – 1 Brasil
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— telefe (@telefe) March 26, 2025
Despite conceding, Argentina remained in control. Almada nearly extended the lead with a powerful left-footed strike, but Bento tipped it over the bar. However, Brazil’s relief was short-lived. Just before halftime, Fernández turned provider, setting up Alexis Mac Allister, who poked the ball past Bento to make it 3-1. Brazil walked into the break looking completely outclassed.
¡GOOOL DE ARGENTINA! Asistencia de Enzo y Mac Allister pone el tercer gol de la noche para Argentina ⭐️
34′ | Argentina 3 – 1 Brasil
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— telefe (@telefe) March 26, 2025
Second Half: Argentina Seals the Victory in Style
Brazil needed a strong response in the second half, but Argentina’s well-organized defense and relentless attacking play made a comeback impossible.
Just four minutes after the restart, Álvarez attempted an audacious chip, forcing another crucial save from Bento. Argentina continued to dominate possession, looking dangerous every time they went forward.
In the 61st minute, Fernández sent a dangerous cross into the area, but Nicolás Tagliafico headed over from close range. The home side kept pushing, and their persistence paid off in the 77th minute when Tagliafico provided a brilliant assist. His low pass across goal found Giuliano Simeone, who smashed the ball in off the crossbar from a tight angle. It was his first international goal, capping off a memorable night for Argentina.
¡GOOOL DE ARGENTINA! Giuliano Simeone revienta el arco para sellar la goleada en casa ️
71′ | Argentina 4 – 1 Brasil
Mirá #ArgentinaXTelefe con los comentarios de @JPVarsky y relatos de @giraltpablo por https://t.co/2ECurz6Kmn pic.twitter.com/QY4VLQLx8j
— telefe (@telefe) March 26, 2025
Brazil looked completely out of ideas, although they came close to reducing the deficit when Raphinha’s free-kick clipped the top of the crossbar. Argentina, however, remained relentless. In the dying minutes, Leandro Paredes unleashed a powerful long-range shot, but Bento managed to parry it away, preventing further embarrassment for Brazil.
Argentina Remains on Top, Brazil in Trouble
With this emphatic victory, Argentina solidifies its position at the top of the CONMEBOL qualification standings. Their unbeaten home record in the World Cup qualifiers remains intact, sending a strong message to the rest of the world ahead of the 2026 tournament.
For Brazil, this defeat is a wake-up call. Slipping to fourth place in the standings puts them in a precarious position, and their performance raised serious doubts about their ability to compete against top teams. If they do not improve quickly, they risk falling into a playoff spot, making their World Cup qualification campaign much more complicated.
Argentina’s dominant display once again highlights why they are one of the favorites for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Their mix of experienced stars and emerging talents makes them a formidable force, and this victory over Brazil will only boost their confidence moving forward.
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