Argentina is gearing up for a highly anticipated match against Brazil in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. As reigning world champions, Argentina comes into the game with a strong performance record, currently leading the qualifiers with 28 points from 13 matches. The Argentine team secured a hard-fought victory over Uruguay in their last outing, managing a 1-0 win, and they are determined to maintain their top spot in the standings.
The significance of this match extends beyond just the standings. Argentina can secure their qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a draw or a win against Brazil, a tough competitor that sits third in the standings with 21 points. This adds a layer of pressure, but Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni remains confident despite challenging circumstances.
Both teams are facing injury woes that could affect gameplay. For Argentina, the absence of star players Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez looms large. Messi has been sidelined due to injury, and Martinez will also miss the match. Nicolás González is suspended after receiving a red card against Uruguay. Nevertheless, Scaloni is expected to field a strong lineup, with Emiliano Martínez in goal and a robust defense led by Cristian Romero and Nicolás Otamendi.
On the other side, Brazil will also be without key players, including goalkeeper Alisson, who is recovering from a concussion, and Ederson. In their places, Bento Krepski from Al Nassr will start in goal. Additionally, Bruno Guimaraes is suspended after receiving a yellow card against Colombia, leaving Brazil without a vital midfielder. Despite these setbacks, Brazil boasts a formidable attacking lineup featuring players such as Raphinha and Vinícius Júnior, who have both expressed confidence in clinching the win.
Raphinha notably stated, “We’ll beat them up... Absolutely! Beat them up! On the pitch and off the pitch if we have to,” echoing the intensity and rivalry that defines this South American clash. Both teams come off victories in their last matches; Brazil managed a 2-1 win over Colombia, adding to the competitive atmosphere leading into this high-stakes matchup.
As for the predicted lineups, Argentina is expected to employ a 4-3-3 formation, featuring: Emiliano Martínez (GK), Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, and Nicolás Tagliafico in defense. The midfield will likely consist of Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, and Alexis Mac Allister, with Thiago Almada and Julián Álvarez leading the attack. With De Paul back from rest, he is anticipated to provide crucial support alongside the skilled Fernández and Mac Allister, creating a balanced midfield unit.
Brazil’s coach, Dorival Júnior, has less depth on the bench but will arrange his team in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Bento in goal, supported by defenders Wesley, Marquinhos, Murillo, and Guilherme Arana. The midfield duo of Andre and Joelinton will be tasked with fortifying their defense while facilitating attacks down the wings to forwards Raphinha and Vinícius Júnior, with Matheus Cunha leading the line.
This encounter marks the 115th match between these two storied rivals, with Brazil historically holding the upper hand in their head-to-head record. However, Argentina aims not only to solidify their lead in the qualifying standings but also to assert their dominance after two recent Copa America victories and a World Cup triumph.
While the clash promises an electric atmosphere, both teams know the stakes are high; for Argentina, a victory would extend their lead over Brazil in the Conmebol qualifying group to 10 points, greatly enhancing their chances of securing a spot in the upcoming World Cup. For Brazil, a win is critical to revitalize their campaign and gain momentum for the challenges ahead.
Fans can expect an intense, passion-filled match as these South American giants face off, with national pride and World Cup aspirations on the line. The excitement surrounding this match not only reflects the historical rivalry but also the current form of both teams as they march towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
