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26 Mar 2025, Wed

lineups, schedule, and everything about the 2026 Qualifiers clash

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The storied rivalry between Argentina and Brazil reignites this Tuesday, March 25, as they face off in a pivotal 2026 World Cup South American Qualifiers match. Set for 9 p.m. Brasília time (8 p.m. local time) at the iconic Mâs Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, this 14th-round showdown pits the table-topping Albiceleste, with 28 points, against the third-placed Seleção, holding 21 points. Argentina needs just a draw to secure an early World Cup berth, while Brazil aims to close the gap and end a 21-year drought without a Qualifiers win on Argentine soil. Despite missing stars like Lionel Messi and Neymar, the clash promises intensity, with live broadcasts on Globo TV and SporTV across Brazil.

Two of football’s greatest powers collide, each carrying a legacy of triumphs and recent challenges. Argentina, the reigning world champions, arrive on a high after a 1-0 away win over Uruguay, even without key players. Brazil, meanwhile, edged Colombia 2-1 in Brasília, with Vinicius Júnior’s late strike proving decisive, showcasing resilience amid absences. Coaches Lionel Scaloni and Dorival Júnior have adapted their tactics to cope with injuries, setting the stage for an unpredictable battle at a sold-out Monumental, where 84,000 fans will create an electric atmosphere.

Probable lineups reflect the latest training updates. Argentina is expected to field Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez in goal, backed by Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, and Nicolás Tagliafico in defense. The midfield features Rodrigo De Paul, recovered from a muscle issue, alongside Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernández, and Alexis Mac Allister, with Thiago Almada and Julián Álvarez up top. Brazil counters with Bento in goal, Wesley Teixeira, Marquinhos, Murillo, and Guilherme Arana in defense, André, Joelinton, and Raphinha in midfield, and Vinicius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Matheus Cunha leading the attack.

  • Match: Argentina vs Brazil
  • Venue: Mâs Monumental Stadium, Buenos Aires
  • Time: 9 p.m. Brasília time
  • Competition: 14th round, South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup

How to catch the live broadcast of the Superclásico

Fans in Brazil can easily tune in to this epic encounter. Globo TV offers free-to-air coverage with Luis Roberto narrating and Júnior and Roger Flores providing commentary, while SporTV delivers a pay-TV option with Luiz Carlos Júnior, Lédio Carmona, and Ricardinho. Online, Globoplay streams both channels live for free to logged-in users, and ge.globo provides real-time updates with highlight videos starting at 8 p.m. Brasília time.

Preparations have been meticulous. Brazil held their final session Monday morning at Mané Garrincha Stadium before flying to Buenos Aires, with Dorival Júnior fine-tuning a fast-paced approach relying on Vinicius Júnior and Rodrygo. Argentina trained at the Monumental, where Scaloni emphasized defensive solidity and midfield creativity despite missing Messi and Lautaro Martínez, both sidelined by thigh injuries.

A rivalry steeped in history

Across 109 meetings, Brazil holds a slight edge with 43 wins to Argentina’s 40 and 26 draws. In Qualifiers, the balance tightens, with Argentina’s 1-0 victory in the Maracanã in November 2023—thanks to Otamendi’s header—marking their latest triumph. Brazil’s last Qualifiers win in Buenos Aires came in 2004, a 3-1 result powered by Ronaldo, Ronaldinho Gaúcho, and Adriano, a feat Dorival Júnior hopes to replicate after two decades.

Recent form adds intrigue. Argentina’s last five Qualifiers games yielded four wins (1-0 vs Uruguay, 1-0 vs Peru, 6-0 vs Bolivia, 3-0 vs Chile) and one loss (2-1 vs Paraguay). Brazil notched three victories (2-1 vs Colombia, 4-0 vs Peru, 2-1 vs Chile), one draw (1-1 vs Venezuela), and one defeat (1-0 vs Argentina), highlighting strong yet inconsistent campaigns.

Injuries force tactical shifts

Both squads face significant absences. Argentina is without Messi and Lautaro Martínez due to thigh issues, plus Nicolás González, suspended after a red card against Uruguay. Scaloni turns to Julián Álvarez of Atlético Madrid to spearhead the attack, with Thiago Almada, formerly of Botafogo, riding momentum from his last-gasp winner. Rodrigo De Paul’s return bolsters the midfield.

Brazil misses Alisson, still under concussion protocol, and Gerson, out with a thigh injury. Gabriel Magalhães and Bruno Guimarães are suspended, prompting Dorival Júnior to trust Bento in goal and lean on André and Joelinton’s physicality, with Raphinha stepping up as a playmaker.

Weather and refereeing under scrutiny

Buenos Aires forecasts a mild evening, with temperatures between 18°C and 22°C and a chance of light drizzle at kickoff. The Monumental’s pristine pitch should favor fluid play, though humidity may test stamina. Colombian referee Andrés Rojas leads the crew, supported by Alexander Guzmán and Richard Ortiz on the lines and John Perdomo on VAR, ensuring seasoned oversight for a heated contest.

The Monumental, home to River Plate, sold out its 84,000 seats weeks ago, with tickets ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 Argentine pesos. Local fans plan to turn the stadium into a cauldron, while Brazilian supporters scramble for resale tickets at premium prices.

Stats and trivia behind the clash

Argentina leads the Qualifiers with 28 points from 13 matches—nine wins, one draw, three losses—while Brazil has 21 points from seven wins, three draws, and three losses. Julián Álvarez tops Argentina’s scoring chart with seven goals, and Vinicius Júnior leads Brazil with four in Neymar’s absence.

  • Biggest Argentine win: 6-1, 1970
  • Biggest Brazilian win: 6-2, 1945
  • Last match without Messi or Neymar: 2005, Brazil 4-1

Final lineups and tactical tweaks

Argentina’s confirmed XI includes Martínez, Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico, De Paul, Paredes, Fernández, Mac Allister, Almada, and Álvarez. Brazil fields Bento, Wesley, Marquinhos, Murillo, Arana, André, Joelinton, Raphinha, Vinicius, Rodrygo, and Cunha. Scaloni prioritizes possession, while Dorival bets on quick counters.

Pundits lean toward a narrow 2-1 Argentine win due to home advantage, though a 1-1 draw or a 1-0 Brazilian upset remain plausible outcomes.

Monumental stage and electric vibe

The 84,000-capacity Mâs Monumental, revamped in 2021, has hosted Libertadores finals and iconic Argentine matches. Its steep stands amplify crowd pressure, challenging Brazil’s youthful squad. Argentine fans will fill the air with chants and flags, testing the Seleção’s focus as Dorival Júnior stressed composure in training.

Upcoming Qualifiers schedule

The road to 2026 continues with these key dates:

  • June 5: Chile vs Argentina, Brazil vs Ecuador
  • September 9: Ecuador vs Argentina, Paraguay vs Brazil
  • October 14: Argentina vs Venezuela, Brazil vs Peru

Six direct Conmebol spots and one playoff berth are at stake.

Players to watch

Julián Álvarez, averaging a goal every two Qualifiers games, anchors Argentina’s attack, while Thiago Almada, 23, aims to cement his status. For Brazil, Vinicius Júnior’s pace is key, and Bento faces a career-defining test in goal. Without Messi and Neymar—absent together in a Superclásico for the first time since 2005’s 4-1 Brazilian rout—new stars take center stage.



The storied rivalry between Argentina and Brazil reignites this Tuesday, March 25, as they face off in a pivotal 2026 World Cup South American Qualifiers match. Set for 9 p.m. Brasília time (8 p.m. local time) at the iconic Mâs Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, this 14th-round showdown pits the table-topping Albiceleste, with 28 points, against the third-placed Seleção, holding 21 points. Argentina needs just a draw to secure an early World Cup berth, while Brazil aims to close the gap and end a 21-year drought without a Qualifiers win on Argentine soil. Despite missing stars like Lionel Messi and Neymar, the clash promises intensity, with live broadcasts on Globo TV and SporTV across Brazil.

Two of football’s greatest powers collide, each carrying a legacy of triumphs and recent challenges. Argentina, the reigning world champions, arrive on a high after a 1-0 away win over Uruguay, even without key players. Brazil, meanwhile, edged Colombia 2-1 in Brasília, with Vinicius Júnior’s late strike proving decisive, showcasing resilience amid absences. Coaches Lionel Scaloni and Dorival Júnior have adapted their tactics to cope with injuries, setting the stage for an unpredictable battle at a sold-out Monumental, where 84,000 fans will create an electric atmosphere.

Probable lineups reflect the latest training updates. Argentina is expected to field Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez in goal, backed by Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, and Nicolás Tagliafico in defense. The midfield features Rodrigo De Paul, recovered from a muscle issue, alongside Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernández, and Alexis Mac Allister, with Thiago Almada and Julián Álvarez up top. Brazil counters with Bento in goal, Wesley Teixeira, Marquinhos, Murillo, and Guilherme Arana in defense, André, Joelinton, and Raphinha in midfield, and Vinicius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Matheus Cunha leading the attack.

  • Match: Argentina vs Brazil
  • Venue: Mâs Monumental Stadium, Buenos Aires
  • Time: 9 p.m. Brasília time
  • Competition: 14th round, South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup

How to catch the live broadcast of the Superclásico

Fans in Brazil can easily tune in to this epic encounter. Globo TV offers free-to-air coverage with Luis Roberto narrating and Júnior and Roger Flores providing commentary, while SporTV delivers a pay-TV option with Luiz Carlos Júnior, Lédio Carmona, and Ricardinho. Online, Globoplay streams both channels live for free to logged-in users, and ge.globo provides real-time updates with highlight videos starting at 8 p.m. Brasília time.

Preparations have been meticulous. Brazil held their final session Monday morning at Mané Garrincha Stadium before flying to Buenos Aires, with Dorival Júnior fine-tuning a fast-paced approach relying on Vinicius Júnior and Rodrygo. Argentina trained at the Monumental, where Scaloni emphasized defensive solidity and midfield creativity despite missing Messi and Lautaro Martínez, both sidelined by thigh injuries.

A rivalry steeped in history

Across 109 meetings, Brazil holds a slight edge with 43 wins to Argentina’s 40 and 26 draws. In Qualifiers, the balance tightens, with Argentina’s 1-0 victory in the Maracanã in November 2023—thanks to Otamendi’s header—marking their latest triumph. Brazil’s last Qualifiers win in Buenos Aires came in 2004, a 3-1 result powered by Ronaldo, Ronaldinho Gaúcho, and Adriano, a feat Dorival Júnior hopes to replicate after two decades.

Recent form adds intrigue. Argentina’s last five Qualifiers games yielded four wins (1-0 vs Uruguay, 1-0 vs Peru, 6-0 vs Bolivia, 3-0 vs Chile) and one loss (2-1 vs Paraguay). Brazil notched three victories (2-1 vs Colombia, 4-0 vs Peru, 2-1 vs Chile), one draw (1-1 vs Venezuela), and one defeat (1-0 vs Argentina), highlighting strong yet inconsistent campaigns.

Injuries force tactical shifts

Both squads face significant absences. Argentina is without Messi and Lautaro Martínez due to thigh issues, plus Nicolás González, suspended after a red card against Uruguay. Scaloni turns to Julián Álvarez of Atlético Madrid to spearhead the attack, with Thiago Almada, formerly of Botafogo, riding momentum from his last-gasp winner. Rodrigo De Paul’s return bolsters the midfield.

Brazil misses Alisson, still under concussion protocol, and Gerson, out with a thigh injury. Gabriel Magalhães and Bruno Guimarães are suspended, prompting Dorival Júnior to trust Bento in goal and lean on André and Joelinton’s physicality, with Raphinha stepping up as a playmaker.

Weather and refereeing under scrutiny

Buenos Aires forecasts a mild evening, with temperatures between 18°C and 22°C and a chance of light drizzle at kickoff. The Monumental’s pristine pitch should favor fluid play, though humidity may test stamina. Colombian referee Andrés Rojas leads the crew, supported by Alexander Guzmán and Richard Ortiz on the lines and John Perdomo on VAR, ensuring seasoned oversight for a heated contest.

The Monumental, home to River Plate, sold out its 84,000 seats weeks ago, with tickets ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 Argentine pesos. Local fans plan to turn the stadium into a cauldron, while Brazilian supporters scramble for resale tickets at premium prices.

Stats and trivia behind the clash

Argentina leads the Qualifiers with 28 points from 13 matches—nine wins, one draw, three losses—while Brazil has 21 points from seven wins, three draws, and three losses. Julián Álvarez tops Argentina’s scoring chart with seven goals, and Vinicius Júnior leads Brazil with four in Neymar’s absence.

  • Biggest Argentine win: 6-1, 1970
  • Biggest Brazilian win: 6-2, 1945
  • Last match without Messi or Neymar: 2005, Brazil 4-1

Final lineups and tactical tweaks

Argentina’s confirmed XI includes Martínez, Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico, De Paul, Paredes, Fernández, Mac Allister, Almada, and Álvarez. Brazil fields Bento, Wesley, Marquinhos, Murillo, Arana, André, Joelinton, Raphinha, Vinicius, Rodrygo, and Cunha. Scaloni prioritizes possession, while Dorival bets on quick counters.

Pundits lean toward a narrow 2-1 Argentine win due to home advantage, though a 1-1 draw or a 1-0 Brazilian upset remain plausible outcomes.

Monumental stage and electric vibe

The 84,000-capacity Mâs Monumental, revamped in 2021, has hosted Libertadores finals and iconic Argentine matches. Its steep stands amplify crowd pressure, challenging Brazil’s youthful squad. Argentine fans will fill the air with chants and flags, testing the Seleção’s focus as Dorival Júnior stressed composure in training.

Upcoming Qualifiers schedule

The road to 2026 continues with these key dates:

  • June 5: Chile vs Argentina, Brazil vs Ecuador
  • September 9: Ecuador vs Argentina, Paraguay vs Brazil
  • October 14: Argentina vs Venezuela, Brazil vs Peru

Six direct Conmebol spots and one playoff berth are at stake.

Players to watch

Julián Álvarez, averaging a goal every two Qualifiers games, anchors Argentina’s attack, while Thiago Almada, 23, aims to cement his status. For Brazil, Vinicius Júnior’s pace is key, and Bento faces a career-defining test in goal. Without Messi and Neymar—absent together in a Superclásico for the first time since 2005’s 4-1 Brazilian rout—new stars take center stage.



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