Argentina hosted Brazil this Tuesday in Buenos Aires for Matchday 14 of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
Argentina and Brazil face off on Matchday 14 of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in what promises to be a high-stakes showdown. Both teams navigated one of the toughest double-match windows of the campaign, securing crucial victories against direct rivals—Argentina defeating Uruguay and Brazil overcoming Colombia. While both sides arrive in strong form, they will be without their biggest stars, Lionel Messi and Neymar.
Heading into this final fixture of the international break, the standings remain tight. Argentina leads comfortably with 28 points, while Ecuador follows with 22, and Brazil, rejuvenated after its recent win, sits in third place with 21 points.
This South American clásico carries historic significance, as an Argentina victory would officially secure their spot in the 2026 World Cup with four matches still to be played. Meanwhile, Brazil sees this as a critical test for head coach Dorival Júnior and his squad, led by Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha, as they aim to prove their resurgence.
Argentina’s expected lineup vs Brazil
For this crucial encounter at the Estadio Monumental on Tuesday, head coach Lionel Scaloni will be without Lionel Messi (adductor discomfort) and several other key soccer players, including Nicolás González, who was sent off in the win against Uruguay. Injuries have also ruled out Gonzalo Montiel, Lisandro Martínez, Giovani Lo Celso, Paulo Dybala, and Lautaro Martínez.
Scaloni is expected to deploy a similar tactical setup: Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolás Tagliafico; Enzo Fernández, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister; Giuliano Simeone, Julián Álvarez, Thiago Almada.
Brazil’s expected XI vs Argentina
Brazil will also be without key figures, most notably Neymar, along with Ederson and Danilo due to injuries or fitness concerns. However, Dorival Júnior still has a potent attacking trio featuring Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, and Rodrygo.
A lineup similar to the one used against Colombia is expected: Alisson; Vanderson, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Guilherme Arana; Bruno Guimarães, Gerson; Raphinha, Rodrygo, Vinícius Júnior; João Pedro.
Credit: Bolavip US
