In the lead-up to Argentina’s commanding 4-1 victory over Brazil, which secured their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Colombian star James Rodriguez took aim at Lionel Scaloni’s squad. Rodriguez, still bitter over Colombia’s loss in the 2024 Copa América final, made some controversial statements.
Speaking with journalist Edu Aguirre, Rodriguez claimed that “external factors” played a role in Colombia’s defeat to Argentina, alleging referee bias. However, not all of Argentina’s rivals share Rodriguez’s perspective. Brazil’s captain, Marquinhos, who experienced the humiliating loss firsthand, offered a starkly different view.
The Paris Saint-Germain defender addressed the media following Brazil’s defeat, lavishing praise on the reigning world champions—the only CONMEBOL team to have secured their World Cup berth thus far.
When asked by a reporter from Clarín if Brazil had just been defeated by the best team in the world, Marquinhos didn’t hesitate. “Yes. Argentina is the best team in the world or one of the best. They are the reigning world champions; they are our rivals, and it hurts to admit it. But they are playing with immense confidence right now,” he said.
Julian Alvarez defends the ball against João Gomes, André and Marquinhos during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier between Argentina and Brazil. (Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
Marquinhos also reflected on Brazil’s current struggles. “We need to focus on ourselves. This loss tells us a lot about the level we’re at and the level our opponents are at. We need to be resilient, work as a team, and look inward to rise above where we are now,” he concluded.
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Rodrigo De Paul responds to James Rodriguez’s comments
Rodrigo De Paul, a key player for Atlético Madrid who started in Argentina’s win over Brazil, didn’t hold back when addressing James Rodriguez’s remarks. “No one helped us; we achieved everything on our own. For the last five or six years, we’ve been the best team of all, and we deserve respect,” De Paul said in an interview with TyC Sports following the victory.
De Paul also addressed pre-match comments from Brazil’s Raphinha, who had boldly claimed Brazil would “thrash” Argentina. “It’s fine; it stays on the field. We don’t disrespect anyone,” De Paul remarked, dismissing the Brazilian forward’s words with grace.
Which teams have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Argentina became the seventh team to punch their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The first teams to qualify were the host nations—United States, Canada, and Mexico. In recent days, more teams joined the mix, including Japan and Iran from Asia, as well as New Zealand from Oceania.
