In the intense 2026 World Cup qualifier, Argentina secured a 1-0 victory over Brazil. However, the match faced a delay due to pre-match crowd trouble.
On Wednesday, Brazil hosts Argentina at Rio’s Maracana for the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, building anticipation for the match. Additionally, the event is expected to be highly exciting.
The BRA vs. ARG football match starts at 6:00 AM IST (Indian Standard Time), ensuring an intense competition. Furthermore, Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi leads Argentina and shares a special bond with the renowned Maracana Stadium. Their incredible excitement grows as they recall their victory over Brazil in the Copa America final in September 2021. Angel Di Maria’s first-half goal secured this memorable win at the same location.
Teams’ Previous Games
In November 2021, during the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualification campaign, these two strong football teams last faced off. However, the game abruptly stopped after just five minutes due to the COVID-19 danger.
Both Brazil and Argentina enter this crucial game off recent losses. Moreover, Brazil suffered an unexpected 2-1 defeat to Colombia, while Argentina lost 2-0 to Uruguay. Despite these setbacks, Argentina leads the group with 12 points (four wins, one defeat), two ahead of second-placed Uruguay. Notably, the Brazilian football squad, with 7 points from as many games (2 victories, 2 losses, and 1 draw), currently holds the sixth position.
The top six teams actively compete for direct qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. They engage in a home-and-away round-robin league style as part of this qualifying process. Therefore, the qualifiers are of utmost importance. Additionally, the seventh team in the Inter-Confederation Play-offs will compete.
Brazil faces challenges with injured players, including Vinicius Junior, Neymar, and Casemiro, adding to the intrigue. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi is anticipated to lead Argentina, aiming to recover from their recent defeat by Uruguay.
Watch Brazil vs Argentina Live: FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers in India
Fanatiz provides live streaming for the Brazil vs Argentina FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, commencing at 6:00 AM on Wednesday. Unfortunately, no TV channel in India will broadcast the Brazil vs Argentina football match.
About the Match: Brazil vs Argentina
Before the game began, tensions rose at Rio’s famous Maracana Stadium, prompting Brazilian police to step in. Moreover, they used batons to disperse Argentine fans, creating a chaotic scene.
Players from Argentina, including goalkeeper Emi Martinez, tried to calm the situation. Martinez even confronted a Brazilian policeman wielding a baton. During the chaos, Lionel Messi and his teammates briefly left the field. Messi reportedly stated, “We’re not playing, we’re leaving.”
After a roughly thirty-minute break, the teams returned to the field, but the tension lingered. Both teams received bookings for early collisions.
The first half saw numerous fouls disrupting the game’s flow, preventing clear opportunities. Argentina’s Rodrigo De Paul faced tough challenges, and Brazil’s Raphinha was booked for an arm-to-arm incident.
Brazil’s Struggles against Argentina in the Match
Brazil had difficulty creating good opportunities, managing their first shot on goal only in the 38th minute. Cristian Romero of Argentina cleared Gabriel Martinelli’s attempt off the line.
Brazil adopted a more optimistic stance in the second part of the match. However, Argentina took the lead in the 63rd minute with Nicolas Otamendi heading in Giovani Lo Celso’s corner kick. In the 82nd minute, Brazil encountered more issues. Substitute Joelinton received a red card for an off-the-ball confrontation with De Paul.
This marks Brazil’s historic third consecutive defeat in World Cup qualifiers. Additionally, it’s their first-ever home loss in such a match. On the other hand, Argentina’s victory solidified their position at the top of the South American qualifying standings. They now have 15 points from six games. In contrast, Brazil is now in sixth place with seven points from six games.
With a third defeat in six matches, Fernando Diniz faces pressure until Carlo Ancelotti arrives. The Selecao is now in sixth place, an unfamiliar position.
Match Highlights
The game began with fouls, and Brazil struggled to dominate.
In the 90+5th minute, Brazil pushed for an equalizer, but Emiliano Martinez saved a distant shot. During 87th minute, the match turned into a foul fest,
In the 82nd minute, Brazil received a red card. Joelinton was off for a foul on Rodrigo De Paul, a decision that seemed ridiculous.
The 76th minute saw a concern for the visitors as Emiliano Martinez needed treatment but could continue.
Substitutions followed, and Argentina scored in the 63rd minute with a header from Nicolas Otamendi.
In the 62nd and 58th minutes, Lionel Messi and Brazil had chances, respectively.
The 55th minute saw Emi Martinez making a save. However, in the 49th minute, Brazil almost created a chance. Kickoff resumed after a 15-minute downtime. Lionel Messi received treatment twice in the first half, raising fitness concerns.
The halftime concluded with more fouls than chances, and Brazil had the best chance.
In the 45+2nd minute, Gabriel reacted angrily, and in the 44th minute, there was another chance for Brazil.
Three minutes of first-half stoppage time were shown.
In the 43rd minute, Lionel Messi received treatment, and Raphinha had Brazil’s first shot in the 38th minute.
The 33rd minute saw Brazil’s best-attacking spell, but Carlos August received a yellow card.
In the 29th minute, Argentina faced a problem as Messi received treatment.
The 27th minute had a chance for Argentina, but no penalty was awarded.
In the 17th minute, Brazil pressed high and committed fouls, with Carlos Augusto receiving a yellow card.
Raphinha was booked in the 14th minute for hitting Rodrigo de Paul.
In the 11th minute, Rodrigo de Paul was fouled, and Gio Lo Celso was clattered.
In the 9th minute, a free-kick was taken, but Nicolas Otamendi’s header didn’t threaten the goal.
The 5th minute saw Marcos Acuna having the first chance. Gabriel Jesus fouled Rodrigo de Paul, receiving a booking. Kickoff started after a 28-minute delay due to a fight in the stands.
