The Brazilian national soccer team has made key roster changes ahead of their highly anticipated match against Argentina, scheduled for Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Coach Dorival Júnior announced on Friday that four new players have been called up to reinforce the squad: goalkeeper Weverton from Palmeiras, defender Beraldo from Paris Saint-Germain, and midfielders João Gomes from Wolverhampton and Éderson from Atalanta. This announcement comes after the team faced several player absences due to suspensions and injuries.
The match against Argentina, taking place at the Estádio Monumental de Núñez in Buenos Aires, is part of the World Cup qualifiers, where Brazil currently holds the second position with 21 points, trailing Argentina, which leads with 25 points. The match will be crucial for both teams as they compete for a direct spot in the upcoming World Cup, with only the top six teams in the qualifiers ensuring automatic qualification. Brazil's recent victory over Colombia (2-1) on March 20 secured their place but now poses challenges as injuries and suspensions hit the squad.
The four additional players were called to replace those who cannot play due to disciplinary actions and health concerns. Gabriel Magalhães and Bruno Guimarães are suspended after receiving yellow cards in the match against Colombia. Gerson also left the match early due to muscle pain in his left thigh, while goalkeeper Alisson, who suffered a head collision during the match, must adhere to FIFA's concussion protocol, which prevents him from participating in the game against Argentina.
Alisson, who plays for Liverpool, is reportedly doing well but cannot travel to Buenos Aires as he must rest for five days following the concussion. He was replaced in the Colombia match by Bento, who will not continue in the squad. Meanwhile, Gerson was taken off after just 27 minutes on the field, his discomfort prompting further evaluations. He was replaced by Joelinton, and despite initial examinations showing no severe injury, ongoing pain means he will not be able to play.
As Brazil gears up for the classic rivalry with Argentina, the national team will reconvene in Brasília over the weekend to train before departing for Argentina on March 24, the day before the match. The squad had a light day on Friday after the victory against Colombia, giving players a chance to recuperate before resuming preparations.
In the absence of their regular goalkeeper, Dorival will rely heavily on Weverton, who besides being a reliable shot-stopper, is the only player from a Brazilian club among the new call-ups. His experience and skills will be pivotal as Brazil seeks to secure crucial points in the qualifiers against a formidable opponent, Argentina, which boasts a squad filled with international talent and depth.
The strategic choices made by Júnior, particularly in negotiating the loss of key players such as Alisson and Gerson, highlight the challenges faced by the national coach. Notably, this is the second time Júnior is making significant cuts to the roster, having previously dealt with injuries to stars like Neymar and Danilo before the Colombia match.
The engagement of new players like João Gomes and Éderson is expected to infuse fresh energy into the squad, as well as offer different tactical options against a seasoned Argentine side. This will be critical in a match that draws significant attention both locally and internationally, reflecting the longstanding football rivalry between the two South American powerhouses.
As both teams prepare for this highly competitive match, fans will be eagerly anticipating the performance of the Brazilian team, especially given the recent ups and downs and the fluctuating roster. Without their captain Guimarães—who played all 15 matches since Júnior took over—the dynamics will shift, and other players must step up to fill that leadership void. This situation sets the stage for an exciting, unpredictable match in Buenos Aires.
With only several days until the match, the anticipation builds, not only for Brazilian fans but for all football enthusiasts around the world watching two of the strongest teams in the South American qualifiers clash on the pitch. Will Brazil adapt successfully to their new lineup? Can they dethrone one of their fiercest rivals in qualifying? Answers to these questions will unfold as the match day approaches.
