The long-awaited clash between Argentina and Brazil in the South American zone of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers takes place on Wednesday (26/3) at 05:30 am IST. This crucial match is part of the 14th round of matches in which Argentina currently lead the standings with 25 points, while Brazil are fifth with 18 points.
The result of this match might just mean the difference for both teams in their quest to get to the next World Cup.
Argentina will be without a number of key players due to injury. Captain Lionel Messi is certain to miss the game with an adductor injury. Lautaro Martínez is also out with a thigh injury, while Paulo Dybala, Alejandro Garnacho, Gonzalo Montiel and Giovani Lo Celso are also out. Despite the loss of several key players, Julián Álvarez will be expected to spearhead Argentina’s attack given his impressive form with Atlético de Madrid since the 2022 World Cup.
Brazil also face similar challenges, particularly in goal. Alisson Becker is a doubt after suffering a concussion in the last game against Colombia. The absence of several key players could have a major impact on the Seleção’s balance.
Based on recent performances and previous meetings, Argentina are favourites to win this match. Their consistency at home and their dominance over Brazil in recent meetings are the main factors behind this prediction.
- The main prediction is for Argentina to win (1win offers odds of 2.14).
- Alternatively, a handicap of -1 on Argentina could be an option with higher profit potential.
- Both teams to score, not both (with odds of 1.69 at Melbet), given Argentina’s solid defence and Brazil’s difficulty in scoring goals.
Argentina’s qualifying campaign has been impressive. From 12 games, they have collected 25 points from eight wins, one draw and three defeats. Their home record is also strong, with five wins from their last six matches. A narrow 1-0 win over Peru showed Lionel Scaloni’s side are capable of picking up three points in difficult conditions.
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Under Scaloni’s tutelage, Argentina have adopted a flexible tactical approach and played a solid game, optimising their mix of experienced players and young stars. With a goal difference of +14 (21 goals scored and only 7 conceded), the balance between attack and defence makes Argentina a tough outfit to beat.
Unlike Argentina, Brazil have had a tougher qualifying campaign than expected. The Seleção currently sit in fifth place with 18 points from five wins, three draws and four defeats. Their away form has also been disappointing, with just two wins in their last six matches.
In their most recent outing, Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw by Uruguay, further highlighting their inconsistency. Despite having a talented attacking line-up, a lack of tactical balance and team cohesion continue to be their main stumbling blocks.
Argentina won their last meeting with Brazil 1-0, confirming that the Brazilians are still struggling to break down the Albiceleste. Argentina have won three of the last five meetings between the two sides, while Brazil have won just once and drawn the other.
Head to Head between Argentina vs Brazil
- Argentina: 2 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses.
- Brazil: 2 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss.
These statistics show that Argentina are more consistent, especially in important matches.
Based on their recent form, head-to-head record and home advantage, Argentina are predicted to win this match with a final score of 2-1 over Brazil. However, Brazil still have the potential to put up a tough fight and their inconsistency, especially away from home, makes it difficult to see them beating Argentina.
