Argentina celebrated their 2026 World Cup qualification in style, thrashing arch-rivals Brazil 4-1 in a thrilling encounter at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Giuliano Simeone scored for the world champions, who had already secured their World Cup berth before kickoff. Bolivia’s 0-0 draw with Uruguay earlier in the day ensured Argentina’s qualification, setting the stage for a festive atmosphere in Buenos Aires.
Alvarez opened the scoring in the sixth minute, latching onto Thiago Almada’s through ball and dinking a close-range finish past Brazil goalkeeper Ederson. Fernandez doubled Argentina’s lead six minutes later, tucking away a low cross that Brazil’s defense failed to deal with.
Brazil was thrown a lifeline in the 26th minute when Cristian Romero’s blunder gifted a goal to Mattheus Cunha. However, Argentina regained their two-goal advantage in the 37th minute through Mac Allister’s superb volley.
Simeone sealed the win with a stunning strike in the 71st minute, blasting into the roof of the net from an acute angle to score his first international goal.
The victory marks Argentina’s 14th consecutive unbeaten match and solidifies their position at the top of the South American qualifying group. Brazil, meanwhile, drops to fourth place.
Match Highlights:
- Julian Alvarez scores in the sixth minute
- Enzo Fernandez doubles Argentina’s lead in the 12th minute
- Mattheus Cunha pulls one back for Brazil in the 26th minute
- Alexis Mac Allister restores Argentina’s two-goal advantage in the 37th minute
- Giuliano Simeone seals the win with a stunning strike in the 71st minute