Argentina secured their qualification for the upcoming 2026 World Cup ahead of entering the pitch at Estadio Monumental to face Brazil. However, they didn’t hold anything back. At just the 4-minute mark, the Atletico Madrid star recovered the ball, entered the box, and found the net with ease.
Without Messi and Martinez, Alvarez has risen as one of the undisputed star of the team. His goal, according to MisterChip, is the third earliest ever scored in a World Cup Qualifiers derby. And after getting the advantage, La Albiceleste didn’t slow down.
Eight minutes later, Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez, another player who has become key for Lionel Scaloni, appeared to score the 2-0 with a great goal. After Nahuel Molina delivered a cross, Fernandez was in the perfect position to push the ball into the back of the net with a powerful shot.
However, Brazil responded in the 26th minute. After Argentina‘s Cuti Romero lost the ball in a dangerous area, Matheus Cunha seized the opportunity and chipped it over Dibu Martinez.
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Argentina national soccer team schedule 2025: Upcoming games, results and TV details
A heated South American derby
Despite the absence of other stars, such as Brazil’s Neymar, this South American classic has been highly anticipated, with some players such as Raphinha heating things up by claiming they were going to win.
After Bolivia failed to win against Uruguay, Argentina secured its ticket for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with 28 points so far. If they defeat Brazil, they reached 31 units. Meanwhile, Brazil have struggled in the tournament.
If things end as they stand right now, Brazil, coached by Dorival Junior, will be at the fifth position of the table with 21 points, just one over Paraguay, who are sixth. There are four matches remaining.
