The two greatest teams in South America, Argentina and Brazil, will add a new chapter to their fabled rivalry when they meet in the 2026 CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night, 25 March. 

The 2022 FIFA World Cup winners are sitting pretty at the top of the CONMEBOL rankings, having amassed 28 points from 13 games (9 W, 1 D, 3 L). Brazil, on the other hand, are third with 21 points (6 W, 3 D, 4 L).

Argentina vs Brazil Preview: Build-Up 6mv46

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The highest-ranked international team on the planet, Argentina have been cruising in the 2026 CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers. Even Lionel Messi’s sketchy fitness record has not had much of an impact on La Albiceleste. The young guns have stepped up when needed, firing their nation to crucial wins.

A beauty from Thiago Almada ☄️

(via @telefe)pic.twitter.com/OT0lRc0VXv

— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 22, 2025

Argentina locked horns with Uruguay in their previous 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. Away at Estadio Centenario, Argentina had a tough time putting pressure on Uruguay, with most of their attempts failing to trouble the goalkeeper. The visitors’ perseverance, however, ultimately paid off, as 23-year-old Thiago Almada hit the back of the net with a sensational outside-the-box effort in the 68th minute. Nicolas Gonzalez saw a straight red card for a high boot in the fifth minute of added time, but the hosts did not have enough time to respond. The game finished 1-0 in Uruguay, bolstering Argentina’s advantage at the top.

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Brazil, meanwhile, have not been at their best in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Dorival Junior is still working out the kinks, as the team does not look nearly as cohesive as they should. As a result, the five-time world champions have slipped to four defeats and played out three draws in 13 games.

The King Vinicius Jr 👑☝🏻 pic.twitter.com/x1yqEcyVAA

— 𝙵 (@avvcr7) March 21, 2025

Brazil looked on course for another disappointing result in their previous 2026 World Cup qualifier against Colombia. Raphinha fired his team into the lead but Luis Diaz restored parity before halftime. The Selecao piled men forward in search of the winner, but it did not come until the ninth minute of injury time, with a deflection-aided strike from Vinicius Junior hitting the back of the net. The victory propelled Dorival’s side to second place in the rankings.

Argentina vs Brazil Preview: Team News, Lineups, and H2H 5c615t

Argentina Team News and Lineup 1om2c

Captain and the team’s all-time top scorer Lionel Messi will not feature, as he is still recovering from his adductor injury. Serie A stars Lautaro Martinez and Paulo Dybala are also on the treatment table. Nico Gonzalez, meanwhile, is suspended after seeing a straight red in the previous 2026 World Cup qualifier.

Potential lineup: Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; Mac Allister, De Paul; Simeone, Fernandez, Almada; Alvarez

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Lionel Messi’s dear friend Neymar has also missed the 2026 World Cup qualifying double-header due to injury. Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson was another player not to the squad for the qualis. Additionally, Brazil suffered two blows in the 2-1 win over Colombia, as Alisson and Gerson were forced off with discomfort.

Potential lineup: Bento; Vanderson, Marquinhos, Ortiz, Arana; Rodrygo, Joelinton, Andre, Raphinha; Vinicius, Pedro

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There have been 109 Superclasicos over the years. Brazil have won 45, Argentina 41, and 23 games have ended all square.

In their previous CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup qualifier, Argentina bagged a narrow 1-0 win in enemy territory.

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Argentina are the favourites going into the 13th FIFA World Cup qualifier and are likely to dominate the proceedings. However, the Selecao are also a gritty bunch and might just do enough to avoid defeat.

Our prediction: Argentina 1-1 Brazil