Five months later, FIFA have made a decision about the suspended World Cup Qualifier game between Brazil and Argentina. Both national teams were fined and the game will continue at a date and placeto be confirmed.
On September 5th, 2021, Brazilian health authorities interrupted the match early in the first half claiming that four Argentine players brokethe country’s Covid-19 protocols by entering the country. The game was suspended and a decision was pending until now.
Both sides have already sealed a place in Qatar 2022 and, with two games to go in the tournament (three if we consider this suspended match), they do not have much to play for other than the conclusion of their campaigns. But the governing body has determined that the result must be decided on the pitch anyway. Here, take a look at the possible date and the three locations where Brazil and Argentina could face off.
Qatar 2022: When would Brazil and Argentina replay their WCQ game?
According to Argentinian outlet Diario Olé, thegame between Brazil and Argentina would be resumed in June 2022. In thatmonth,the2021 Copa America winners will face Euro 2020 champions Italy in London.
However, another possibility – although more unlikely – is that they face off in March, when the Conmebol Qualifiers will conclude with its last double-fixture. But adding a third game to that window would be complicated, especially ifBrazil lose their hosting rights and it is played in another continent.
Where would Brazil and Argentina resumethe WCQ game? 3 possible locations
FIFAalsohas to announce the venue for this match. Brazil would lose their right to be hosts, so it’s unclear where itwould be resumed. However, if the game is moved to another continent, we can imagine three possible locations.
Europe
The 2018 Copa Libertadores Final was played at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid. (Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Considering that Argentina will be in London for their intercontinental match against Italy in June 1st, maybe the Brazil match couldbe scheduled in the following days in the Old Continent as well. It wouldn’t be the first time a South American game is played there, as the 2018 Copa Libertadores final between Boca Juniors and River Plate was played at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid (although that time Conmebol were the organizers, and this time is FIFA who will make the decision).
Asia
Brazil and Argentina met in an international friendly in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in November 2019. (Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Reports also mention Asia as another option. Brazil and Argentina have already played international friendlies there and, with theWorld Cup looming around, Qatar is believed to be a possible venue. Still, it remains to be seen ifboth teams are forced to make such a long trip for just a single game.
USA
Lionel Messi during a Brazil-Argentina friendly played in New Jersey in 2012. (Carlos M. Saavedra /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
If South America is not an option, maybe they won’t need to travel that far. Brazil and Argentina could face each other in the USA,where they have already met in a seven-goal thriller in June 2012 at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey. That day, Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick, including a brilliant goal at the 84th minute to seal the 4-3 win for Argentina. Not only both teams have millions of fans in that country, but the countless stadiums across the US could make it a great location for this WCQ game, if it’s played in a neutral venue.
