Argentina celebrated their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification in style with a 4-1 victory over arch-rivals Brazil in Buenos Aires.
Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, and Giuliano Simeone found the net for the world champions, who had already secured their place in the tournament following Bolivia’s 0-0 draw with Uruguay earlier in the day.
A festive atmosphere engulfed the Estadio Monumental even before kickoff, and Argentina kept the celebrations going with a dominant display.
Atlético Madrid forward Álvarez opened the scoring in the sixth minute, capitalizing on Thiago Almada’s precise through ball and dinking a close-range finish past Brazil goalkeeper Bento.
Six minutes later, Chelsea’s Fernández doubled Argentina’s lead after Brazil’s defence failed to clear a low cross, slotting home to make it 2-0.
Brazil’s hope dashed
Despite Argentina’s dominance, Brazil found a lifeline in the 26th minute when Cristian Romero’s defensive error gifted a goal to Matheus Cunha. The Tottenham defender was caught in possession 25 yards from goal, allowing Cunha to pounce and fire past Emiliano Martínez to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
However, any hopes of a comeback were crushed in the 37th minute when Mac Allister produced a stunning volley from Almada’s lofted pass, restoring Argentina’s two-goal cushion.
Simeone seals the victory
With Argentina firmly in control, Simeone put the finishing touch on an impressive night with a 71st-minute goal—his first international strike. The 22-year-old son of Argentine football icon Diego Simeone smashed the ball into the roof of the net from a tight angle, sending the home crowd into raptures.
Path to the 2026 World Cup
The win cements Argentina’s place in the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. With four games to spare, the reigning champions top the 10-team South American qualifying group with 31 points from 14 games, securing one of the six automatic qualification spots. Brazil sit in fourth place.
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