Argentina crush Brazil 4-1 after qualifying for 2026 World Cup

FIFA World Cup defending champions Argentina walked over Brazil 4-1 in the South American qualifier game at the Mas Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Tuesday.

Argentina had already secured qualification for the tournament next year in Canada, the United States, and Mexico before the showdown with Brazil since Bolivia failed to beat Uruguay earlier on the day.

Though the hosts lacked both Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez, they built an early lead four minutes into the first half after Julian Alvarez opened the scoring. Eight minutes later, Enzo Fernandez doubled their advantage by capitalizing on defensive disarray.

Matheus Cunha netted for the visitors in the 26th minute so the game looked less ugly, but only for 11 minutes. Alexis Mac Allister made a quick and ruthless response for Argentina with a goal in the 37th minute and ignited the home crowd again.

Giuliano Simeone, son of Argentine football legend Diego Simeone, fired in from a tight angle in the 71st minute for the home team's fourth goal, sealing a three-goal big win for "La Seleccion."

Argentina became the first qualified team for the World Cup from The South American Football Confederation with 31 points. Brazil are in fourth place with 21, the same as Uruguay and two points behind Ecuador in the second place.