Buenos Aires, Mar 26 (V7N) – Argentina ended Brazil’s 16-year unbeaten streak on their home soil in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, securing a dominant 4-1 victory at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. With this victory, Lionel Scaloni’s team became the first CONMEBOL team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, maintaining their top position in the table.

From the very start, Argentina displayed complete dominance, leaving Brazilian stars like Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha struggling to make an impact. The absence of Alisson Becker in goal further exposed Brazil’s fragile defense, and Argentina wasted no time in taking advantage.

Before the match, Brazil’s Raphinha had confidently predicted a victory, but Argentina silenced him within just four minutes. Julián Álvarez opened the scoring early, setting the tone for the hosts. Enzo Fernández quickly doubled the lead, leaving Brazil reeling.

Although Brazil managed to pull one back before halftime, Argentina still held a commanding 3-1 lead at the break. The stats painted a clear picture of the match—Brazil managed just one shot on target compared to Argentina’s seven.

The second half saw Rodrigo De Paul dictating the midfield, ensuring Brazil never found their rhythm. In the 68th minute, Thiago Almada was substituted for Giovanni Simeone, and within three minutes, Argentina struck again, sealing a resounding 4-1 victory.

With this crushing defeat, Brazil’s winless streak against Argentina now extends to five matches, spanning six years. The last time Brazil defeated Argentina was in the 2019 Copa América, and they have not won on Argentinian soil in World Cup qualifiers since 2009.

As Argentina marches into the 2026 World Cup, Brazil is left searching for answers, with questions looming over their squad’s performance and future under coach Dorival Júnior.

END/MSS/AJ