Cliff Notes – World Cup 2026 Argentina qualify ahead of Brazil showdown
- Argentina becomes the first South American team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, securing their spot after a 4-1 victory over Brazil.
- The team has led South American qualifying with 31 points, marking a historic achievement by winning both matches against Brazil in this tournament.
- Lionel Messi’s participation in the 2026 World Cup remains uncertain as he recovers from injury, with the 37-year-old hinting at the nearing end of his career.
World Cup 2026: Argentina qualify ahead of Brazil showdown
Argentina will get the chance to defend its World Cup title in 2026 after becoming the first South American team to qualify for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico next year.
Argentina, which won its third World Cup title in Qatar in 2022, secured a place at the 2026 event before beating Brazil 4-1 on Tuesday after Bolívia failed to beat Uruguay in an earlier game.
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“It was a historic result, winning by 4-1, and that makes us really proud, I’m so happy for the fans, for helping the team and to see how we played an impressive game at home. It’s great to know that we are qualified for the World Cup,” Julián Álvarez said.
It’s the first time Argentina has won both matches against Brazil in a World Cup qualifying tournament. The home victory was also Argentina’s first against the Brazilians since qualifying for the 2006 World Cup.
The top six teams in South America qualify automatically for the first-ever 48-team World Cup, with the seventh-placed team entering an intercontinental playoff. Argentina, which tops the standings, was assured of one of the six spots.
“Congratulations, Argentina, on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup,” president of South American soccer’s governing body CONMEBOL Alejandro Dominguez wrote on his X account.
“Let’s defend the crown and make the continent proud!”
Backed by Lionel Messi, Argentina (31 points) has led South American qualifying from the start, with few hiccups and major away wins at Brazil and Uruguay.
It remains to be seen if Messi, who scored twice in Argentina’s win over France in the 2022 final, will feature for his country at a record sixth World Cup in 2026. The 37-year-old has not ruled out the possibility but has insisted it is not his focus and hinted that the end of his career is near.
Messi, who has a contract with Inter Miami through the end of 2025, has an injury to his adductor and was not included in Argentina’s squad for this round of matches.
Argentina joins Japan, New Zealand and Iran as the first qualifiers for the next World Cup, alongside the three host nations.
Information from The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.