The Argentina national football team made history on March 25, 2025, by securing its qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a significant milestone even before their match against Brazil in Buenos Aires later that evening. Thanks to a scoreless draw between Bolivia and Uruguay, Argentina became the first team to qualify for the World Cup, which is set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Argentina's early qualification ties the team with its historic record of qualifying for a World Cup at the earliest stage ever. Under the management of Lionel Scaloni, Argentina has reached its 19th World Cup qualification, ranking third in the all-time standings, behind only Brazil (22) and Germany (20).
If Lionel Messi, who will turn 38 in June 2025, participates in the upcoming World Cup, it will mark his sixth appearance at this prestigious tournament, a record for any player. However, Messi has remained non-committal about his future in the national team. Recently, he stated, "I have been asked this many times, especially in Argentina. I hope to finish the year well, have a good pre-season, which I couldn't do last year, and from there, depending on how I feel... We're close to it, but at the same time, there's still time. I live day by day without thinking too far ahead." His decision may lean on the chance to represent Argentina in a World Cup hosted in the country where he currently resides with his family.
Argentina's successful qualification means they are among the first confirmed teams for the 2026 World Cup, which expands to include 48 teams across 16 cities. The tournament will commence on June 11, 2026, at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca and Guadalajara's Estadio Akron, with the final scheduled for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New York.
Currently, Japan, Iran, New Zealand, and Argentina have secured their places alongside the hosting countries. The new tournament format will provide each confederation with a larger number of spots, with the UEFA obtaining 16 spots, Africa 9, Asia 8, Conmebol 6, Oceania 1, and Concacaf 3. A repechage round slated for March 2026 will determine the final two spots, featuring teams from Concacaf and one each from Asia, Africa, Conmebol, and Oceania.
As the qualification process continues, teams in the South American Conmebol zone are notably under pressure, especially Venezuela, Peru, and Chile, who are seeking to avoid being left behind after a streak of poor performances. The significant changes to the number of qualifying teams, including an additional two places for South America, are designed to enhance excitement for the matches leading up to the World Cup.
Argentina's current standings place them at the top of the South American qualifiers, boasting 28 points from 13 games—achieving 9 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses, with a remarkable 22 goals scored and only 7 conceded. Brazil follows closely in third place with 21 points.
On March 25, the highly anticipated match between Argentina and Brazil is set to unfold at the Estadio Más Monumental in Buenos Aires. Argentina will face Brazil without its star player, Lionel Messi, who is currently sidelined due to injury. Nonetheless, Argentina is well-equipped with talented players like Julián Álvarez and Thiago Almada, who scored the winning goal against Uruguay in their last match.
This match not only serves as a testing ground for Argentina ahead of the World Cup but also represents a historic rivalry in South American football. With Argentina defending its title as the reigning champions of both the Copa América and the World Cup, fans are eager to see how the team will perform against its fiercest competitors, Brazil, who have shown their merit by defeating Colombia 2-1 in their last outing.
As the final whistle blows in matches like these, the last-second goals are a reminder of the intense rivalry these two teams share. With the qualification of Argentina now assured, eyes will be on how they can maintain momentum in the upcoming contests as they prepare for their 19th appearance in a World Cup.
In summary, Argentina's early qualification for the 2026 World Cup not only reflects the strength of their national team but also sets the stage for a new era in international football with expanded participation. As they look forward to donning their iconic blue and white jerseys once again on the world stage, the fans and players alike are filled with hope and determination.
