Argentina thrash Brazil, clinch 2026 World Cup qualification

Argentina romped to a 4-1 home win over arch-rivals Brazil on Tuesday night, hours after the side had formally clinched qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

The Albiceleste became the first team from South America to book their place at the 2026 tournament – which will be hosted by the Canada, Mexico and the United States – after results earlier in the day went their way.

The reigning world champions, hours before thashing Brazil in Buenos Aires, managed to punch their ticket without kicking a ball after Bolivia were held 0-0 at home to the Uruguayans.

The result left Bolivia in seventh place in South America's qualifying standings with 14 points from 14 games and meant Argentina – who top the group now with 31 points, eight ahead of their nearest competitor – were guaranteed a top-six finish and an automatic qualifying berth.

The nighttime victory over longtime rivals Brazil was the icing on the cake.

The expansion of next year's World Cup to 48 teams mean that six teams from South America will qualify automatically for the tournament, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Argentina will now be targeting their fourth World Cup victory after lifting the title in 1978, 1986 and 2022.

Brazil humbled

Lionel Scaloni's side were unstoppable in the first half in Buenos Aires on Tuesday night, racing into the lead in just four minutes.

Creative midfielder Thiago Almada found a gap between Brazil's central defence and spotted Julián Álvarez, who charged into the box and, after bundling the ball into his path, made it 1-0 with a subtle touch into the net.

The pressure kept coming. Not long after, in the 12th minute, the Albiceleste broke out of defence with precision, exchanging multiple passes in a great team move that ended with Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez slotting home from close range.

Brazil were under siege and were lucky to keep it down to two. But then, after 26 minutes, a goal came from nowhere. After a sloppy mistake by defender Cristian Romero, Matheus Cunha produced a turnover and pulled one back for Brazil.

Argentina, however, remained calm. With 10 minutes left in the first half, Fernández clipped in a masterful pass to Alexis Mac Allister, who made it 3-1 to the delight of a capacity crowd at the Monumental.

In the second half, a quickly taken free kick put left-back Nicolás Tagliafico through towards goal. He attempted to square the ball to Mac Allister but the pass was behind the on-rushing midfielder – arriving at the back post was substitute Giovani Simeone, who slammed home fiercely from an impossible angle, securing Argentina its fourth.

The clock ticked down, but the result was never in doubt. At full time, fireworks exploded above the stadium and Argentina celebrated World Cup qualification.

– TIMES/AFP