What happens if Argentina win, lose or tie vs Brazil in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers?

Argentina will face Brazil this Tuesday night in a match that could prove crucial for both teams in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

This Tuesday evening at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Brazil will meet in Matchday 14 of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This clash holds immense significance, not only due to the historical rivalry between the two nations but also because of the potential consequences that the various results could have on both teams’ future qualification hopes.

Argentina are currently riding high. Not only are they the reigning World Cup and Copa America champions, but they also lead the South American qualifying standings. With 9 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses, Lionel Scaloni’s team has accumulated 28 points, 6 more than their closest challengers, Ecuador. Furthermore, last Friday, they defeated Uruguay 1-0 in Montevideo, strengthening their position as a dominant force in the qualifiers.

Brazil’s situation is somewhat less secure. They have faced numerous challenges during the qualifiers, with both individual and collective performances drawing criticism from fans and the media. Despite this, last week, they secured a crucial 2-1 win over Colombia, which allowed them to move up to third place in the standings, with 21 points.

What happens if Argentina beat Brazil?

Should Argentina secure a win against Brazil this Tuesday in Buenos Aires, they will qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first team from South America to book their spot in the tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

What happens if Argentina and Brazil draw?

If Argentina and Brazil draw, the outcome will be similar to a victory for Argentina: Lionel Scaloni’s team will have an unassailable points advantage over the first team outside the direct qualification zone, guaranteeing their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

What happens if Argentina lose to Brazil?

If Argentina suffer a defeat to Brazil this Tuesday night at the Estadio Monumental, they will remain at the top of the South American standings. However, they will not yet have secured their spot in the World Cup. In this scenario, Argentina will need to wait until the next international break in June to potentially confirm their qualification.

A fourth possibility for Argentina

While the match between Argentina and Brazil is undoubtedly of great importance, the result could take a back seat for Argentina depending on the outcome of a match earlier in the day in La Paz.

This Tuesday afternoon, at the Estadio Municipal El Alto, Bolivia will host Uruguay. Bolivia currently sit in seventh place in the standings, just outside the direct qualification zone and in the playoff spot. With 13 points, they are 15 points behind Argentina.

There are five matches left in the South American qualifiers, which means that any misstep by Bolivia would ensure automatic qualification for Argentina. Therefore, if Bolivia fail to defeat Uruguay, Argentina will secure their place in the 2026 tournament before even stepping onto the field against Brazil.

Credit: Bolavip US