Brazil and Argentina will be looking to get back to winning ways when they meet at the Maracana in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
The final international break of 2023 concludes this week with a sensational clash in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Brazil and Argentina lock horns at the iconic Maracana, with both teams entering the contest on the back of last week’s defeats.
Brazil suffered a costly 2-1 defeat to Colombia as they lost Vinicius Junior to injury. But Fernando Diniz’s men have been terrible in qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, winning just two of their five matches so far. The latest setback came against Colombia, which saw the Selecao drop to fifth in the standings, even behind Venezuela.
Argentina, on the other hand, suffered a 2-0 defeat against Uruguay, the first goals they have conceded in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The world champions were imperious until this defeat, winning their first four games. Despite the loss to Uruguay, Lionel Scaloni’s men remain top of the table, two points ahead of La Celeste.
The last encounter between Brazil and Argentina ended in a goalless draw, with a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier being played. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at this week’s clash ahead of the final meeting between these two fierce rivals.
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Brazil have been hit by injuries recently. Not only did Diniz have to deal with multiple absences heading into this window, but he also lost a player during the week. Vinicius Junior, for example, will be out for two months after picking up a hamstring injury in Colombia.
The Real Madrid star has unfortunately joined Neymar, Casemiro, Richarlison and Danilo on the list of injured Brazilian players. Diniz will therefore have to rely on other names to try and dethrone the reigning world champions.
Lionel Scaloni could shake up this clash after his side’s recent defeat. Angel Di Maria could return to the lineup instead of Nicolas Gonzalez, but the coach has doubts about other positions as well.
Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez are once again fighting for a place in the team, while Leandro Paredes could also make the starting eleven.
Argentina Possible lineup:
Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolás Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister; Leandro Paredes/Nicolás González/Ángel Di María, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez/Julián Álvarez.
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