Lionel Messi’s Argentina officially secure FIFA World Cup 2026 spot before derby against Brazil

Argentina have a very important match on Tuesday in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They face Brazil, their biggest rival, at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, and that historic rivalry gives the match a special caliber. However, Lionel Messi‘s team already knows that, whatever happens, their place is assured in the tournament to be played next year in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

This is because Bolivia were unable to beat Uruguay this afternoon in La Paz, ending the match in a 0-0 draw. The hosts are currently in 7th place in the qualification standings making them the first team outside of direct qualification spots for the World Cup.

Argentina, in first place in the standings, have 28 points, while Bolivia have 14. With only four games left and a maximum of 12 points to score, Bolivia mathematically no longer have a chance of catching Argentina.

South America’s first World Cup qualified team

Following the draw between Bolivia and Uruguay, Argentina became the first South American team to secure their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, in this international break in March, no other team will be able to do the same. Ecuador, Brazil, and Uruguay are closest to securing that goal, although all of them will have to wait at least until June to ensure their qualification.

Lionel Scaloni, Head Coach of Argentina, anhd Lionel Messi.

Which teams have already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Argentina became the seventh team to secure their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The first were, obviously, the hosts: United States, Canada, and Mexico. In the last few days, the remaining teams have joined them. Japan and Iran made it in Asia, while New Zealand did the same in Oceania.

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Why isn’t Lionel Messi playing for Argentina vs. Brazil today in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers?

Considering that this edition of the World Cup will have a new format that will include a total of 48 teams, there are still many vacant places. In addition to Argentina, five other South American teams will qualify directly, while the seventh will play a playoff.

In CONCACAF, in addition to the three tournament organizers, there are two teams that will qualify for the playoffs. In Asia, Japan and Iran will be joined by six more teams, while one more will go to the playoffs. In addition to New Zealand, Oceania may have another representative if that team makes it through the playoffs. Africa will have 9 direct qualifiers and one playoff, while Europe will have 16 representatives.

Messi may break a historic record

With Argentina’s qualification for the FIFA 2026 World Cup already confirmed, the big question now is whether Lionel Messi will be there as well. The Inter Miami forward has not given definitive answers on the matter, but as time goes by and he continues to play at a convincing level, his chances grow.

Should he be present next year in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, Messi will become the first player in history to participate in six World Cups. He has already been with Argentina in Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, and Qatar 2022. However, this record can also be reached by Cristiano Ronaldo, who participated in the same tournaments with Portugal.