Argentina celebrated their qualification for the 2026 World Cup with an emphatic 4-1 victory over its long-time rivals Brazil in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.
Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Giuliano Simeone contributed to a resounding victory for the world champions, who had secured their World Cup spot after Bolivia’s 0-0 tie with Uruguay earlier that day.
The scoreless draw created a festive vibe at the Estadio Monumental before the match began, and Argentina maintained the celebration with an electrifying performance.
Atletico Madrid’s Alvarez struck first just six minutes in, connecting with a through ball from Thiago Almada and delicately finishing past Brazil’s goalkeeper Bento from close range.
Things improved for Argentina six minutes later when Chelsea’s Fernandez slotted home the hosts’ second goal of the evening after Brazil’s defense struggled to handle a low cross.
Brazil was overwhelmed by an energetic Argentina, but they were handed a chance to get back into the game on 26 minutes due to a mistake by Cristian Romero, which allowed Mattheus Cunha to score. The Tottenham defender was caught off guard 25 yards from his goal, enabling Cunha to swoop in and send a low shot past Emiliano Martinez to narrow the score to 2-1.
However, Brazil’s hopes of a comeback were extinguished in the 37th minute by a magnificent goal from Mac Allister. Almada again provided the assist, delivering a pass into the box that Mac Allister met with a first-time volley to extend the lead to 3-1.
With Argentina fully in charge, Simeone delighted the crowd with a goal in the 71st minute, bringing the score to 4-1 — marking his first goal for the national team. Simeone, the 22-year-old son of Argentine football icon Diego Simeone, somehow powered a shot into the top of the net from a tight angle, completing a dominant display by the home side.
This victory confirms Argentina’s place in next year’s finals in the United States, Mexico, and Canada with four qualifying matches remaining.
The Argentines are leading the 10-team qualifying group with 31 points from 14 matches and have secured one of the six automatic qualifying spots provided to South America. Brazil currently sits in fourth place.
