Argentina and Brazil face off on Matchday 14 of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in what promises to be a high-stakes showdown. Both teams navigated one of the toughest double-match windows of the campaign, securing crucial victories against direct rivalsâArgentina defeating Uruguay and Brazil overcoming Colombia. While both sides arrive in strong form, they will be without their biggest stars, Lionel Messi and Neymar.
Heading into this final fixture of the international break, the standings remain tight. Argentina leads comfortably with 28 points, while Ecuador follows with 22, and Brazil, rejuvenated after its recent win, sits in third place with 21 points.
This South American clĂĄsico carries historic significance, as an Argentina victory would officially secure their spot in the 2026 World Cup with four matches still to be played. Meanwhile, Brazil sees this as a critical test for head coach Dorival JĂșnior and his squad, led by VinĂcius JĂșnior and Raphinha, as they aim to prove their resurgence.
Argentinaâs expected lineup vs Brazil
For this crucial encounter at the Estadio Monumental on Tuesday, head coach Lionel Scaloni will be without Lionel Messi (adductor discomfort) and several other key soccer players, including NicolĂĄs GonzĂĄlez, who was sent off in the win against Uruguay. Injuries have also ruled out Gonzalo Montiel, Lisandro MartĂnez, Giovani Lo Celso, Paulo Dybala, and Lautaro MartĂnez.
Julian Alvarez of Argentina
Scaloni is expected to deploy a similar tactical setup: Emiliano MartĂnez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, NicolĂĄs Otamendi, NicolĂĄs Tagliafico; Enzo FernĂĄndez, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister; Giuliano Simeone, JuliĂĄn Ălvarez, Thiago Almada.
see also
CONMEBOLâs decision on Brazilâs seven substitutions against Colombia in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
Brazilâs expected XI vs Argentina
Brazil will also be without key figures, most notably Neymar, along with Ederson, Danilo, Alisson and Gerson due to injuries or fitness concerns and Bruno Guimaraes and Gabriel Magalhaes are suspended. However, Dorival JĂșnior still has a potent attacking trio featuring VinĂcius JĂșnior, Raphinha, and Rodrygo.
A lineup similar to the one used against Colombia is expected: Bento, Wesley, Marquinhos, Murillo, Arana, Andre, Joelinton, Rodrygo, Raphinha, Vinicius Jr, Matheus Cunha
