In a charged match that nearly paused, the world champion demonstrated once again the strength of the Albiceleste at Maracaná, emerging victorious over Brazil.
The Argentina national team claimed the world title, and the defending champions faced a tense challenge as Brazil pushed to claim another win. Even amid police clashes before kickoff and a tense atmosphere in the stands, the match proceeded, and the visitors from Buenos Aires celebrated again in the famous stadium that has witnessed countless defining moments for both sides. The game marked another chapter in the long, fierce rivalry between the two South American powers, with Argentina showing resilience in a high-stakes environment.
South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in North America: dates, fixtures, results and format
Following the pre-match disturbances, Lionel Messi kept the team focused, guiding the squad with composure as they prepared for action under intense heat. A handful of key players were absent, and Fernando Diniz’s Brazil began with urgency, but struggled to sustain momentum in the middle phase. De Paul pressed high and controlled stretches of play, while Martinelli sought opportunities to lift Brazil’s attack as the clock wore on.
The Albiceleste seized a critical moment, turning a well-executed corner into a defining goal. A perfectly timed header by Nicolás Otamendi sent the ball to the back of the net, igniting a surge of relief and elation among the Argentine supporters in attendance. The reaction of the 70,000 home fans was instantly silenced as 3,000 Argentine supporters joined in celebration, a vivid contrast that underscored the emotional weight of the fixture. Brazil pressed for an equalizer but could not find a response, and the world champions demonstrated how to convert pressure into a hard-earned victory that could reverberate through the qualifying campaign. This result reinforced Argentina’s status as a team that transcends a single match and season, reinforcing continuity at the highest level.
Minute by minute Brazil vs. Argentina of the 2026 South American Qualifiers
The live and instant online summary of Brazil vs. Argentina of the 2026 South American Qualifiers
- ARGENTINA’S GOAL! Otamendi rose highest and directed the header into the corner, making it 1-0
- Brazil found an opening, and Martinelli looked ready to celebrate as a reply began to take shape
- De Paul carried the game with drive, drawing the attention of the entire Brazilian defense
- As the teams returned, Rodrygo voiced frustration while Messi maintained calm and control
- A clear display of leadership: Messi directed the team back onto the field and steadied the group after turmoil
- The clash between players and some fans escalated, yet the on-field resolve held strong and the teams sought to restore order
The atmosphere around Maracaná intensified as authorities faced challenges ensuring safety, a reminder of how big this fixture is on the continent and beyond. The match delivered a reminder that football at this level blends skill with emotion, and the outcome matters for the broader path to the next World Cup.
Another angle of the night featured the throng of Brazil supporters reacting to a drawn-out weekend, with security measures put to the test and the players urged to maintain focus. The pageantry and pressure of South American football were on full display, underscoring the enduring appeal of the rivalry between these two footballing giants.
In the end, Argentina’s composed performance earned a result that will be recalled in the annals of qualification campaigns, illustrating how a team can navigate the most challenging environments to secure a memorable win. The night reinforced the global fascination with a match that continues to captivate fans across the Americas and around the world.