The final matches of the March FIFA doubleheader in the 2026 South American World Cup Qualifiers are underway, and one of the marquee matchups features Argentina hosting Brazil on Matchday 14. However, the visiting team will be missing one of its key players, Neymar.
Initially called up by head coach Dorival Junior, Neymar had to withdraw at the last minute from Brazil’s March qualifiers due to muscle discomfort. Real Madrid’s rising star, Endrick, was named as his replacement.
“It seemed like the return was close, but unfortunately, I will not be able to wear the heaviest jersey in the world right now,” Neymar shared in a heartfelt message to his fans on Instagram.
The Santos captain elaborated that the decision was made in consultation with Brazil’s medical staff. “We had long conversations, and everyone knows how much I wanted to return, but we reached a consensus and decided not to risk it,” Neymar explained.
Neymar (R) of Santos drives the ball against Matheus Fernandes of Red Bull Bragantino during a match between Santos and Red Bull Bragantino. (Miguel Schincariol/Getty Images)
But Neymar isn’t the only major absence for this South American classic. On the home side, Argentina will also be without its captain Lionel Messi, who is sidelined with muscle issues. Additionally, forward Lautaro Martínez will miss the game for the same reason.
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Argentina vs Brazil: Lineups for Matchday 14 of South American 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
When was the last Argentina-Brazil clash without Neymar or Messi?
This match has a unique twist: it’s the first time in 20 years that neither Neymar nor Messi will feature in an Argentina-Brazil clash. The last instance was on June 29, 2005, when Brazil defeated Argentina 4-1 in the final of the Confederations Cup.
Since then, the two teams have faced off 20 times, and while both players have only shared the pitch in five of those encounters, at least one of them was present in all the others.
The most recent meeting featuring both Messi and Neymar was the memorable 2021 Copa América final, where Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 in Rio de Janeiro, thanks to a goal from Ángel Di María.
What’s next for both teams?
While Lionel Scaloni’s team could secure its qualification for the 2026 World Cup in this match, Argentina’s schedule doesn’t end here. The reigning world champions will return to action in June, traveling to face Chile before hosting Colombia in their final matches of the South American qualifiers.
As for Brazil’s schedule, Dorival Junior’s side will look to seal their qualification during the June FIFA window. They are set to play Ecuador on the road before returning home to face Paraguay.
