Argentina marked their 2026 World Cup qualification in style with a dominant 4-1 victory over arch-rivals Brazil in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.
Goals from Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, and Giuliano Simeone sealed an emphatic win for the reigning world champions, who had already secured their World Cup spot earlier in the day following Bolivia’s 0-0 draw with Uruguay.
The Estadio Monumental was already in a festive mood before kickoff, and Argentina extended the celebrations with a dazzling display. Atlético Madrid forward Álvarez opened the scoring in the sixth minute, capitalising on Thiago Almada’s through ball before coolly finishing past Brazil goalkeeper Bento.
Just six minutes later, Chelsea’s Fernández doubled the lead, slotting home after Brazil’s defence failed to clear a low cross. However, Brazil briefly found hope in the 26th minute when Cristian Romero’s mistake gifted Mattheus Cunha a goal, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
Argentina quickly extinguished any chance of a comeback in the 37th minute when Almada delivered a pinpoint lofted pass to Mac Allister, who expertly volleyed it home to restore the two-goal cushion.
The hosts continued their dominance in the second half, and Simeone put the result beyond doubt in the 71st minute, firing a stunning shot into the roof of the net to seal Argentina’s triumph. The 22-year-old, son of Argentine football legend Diego Simeone, celebrated his first international goal in front of an ecstatic crowd.
With four matches remaining, Argentina have booked their place in the 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. They lead the South American qualifying group with 31 points from 14 games, securing one of the six automatic spots. Meanwhile, Brazil sit fourth in the standings.
Elsewhere in South American qualifiers, Ecuador stayed on track with a goalless draw against Chile in Santiago, holding second place with 23 points—eight behind Argentina. Uruguay’s draw with Bolivia and Brazil’s heavy defeat allowed them to climb to third on goal difference.
Colombia missed an opportunity to close the gap on the leaders after a 2-2 home draw against Paraguay in Barranquilla. Early goals from Luis Díaz and Jhon Durán gave Colombia a 2-0 lead within 13 minutes, but Paraguay fought back with goals from Junior Alonso and Julio Enciso to share the points.
Venezuela, meanwhile, boosted their hopes of securing a historic first-ever World Cup qualification with a 1-0 victory over Peru in Maturín. Salomón Rondón’s 41st-minute penalty secured a crucial three points, lifting Venezuela into seventh place—putting them in contention for an inter-confederation playoff spot.
