Tonight is one of the most anticipated games of the year, as Brazil host Argentina at the Maracana for a 2026 World Cup qualifier. The match will begin at 7:30pm ET / 4:30pm PT and will be shown on TV on Telemundo.
Brazil come into the match reeling, having lost their last two qualifiers to Colombia and Uruguay while drawing against Venezuela in the match before. Uruguay also beat Argentina in the last matchday, handing Argentina their first loss since their 2022 World Cup debut against Saudi Arabia. Despite the loss, Argentina is still first in CONMEBOL qualifying.
Lionel Messi is fully expected to start for the visiting side and will look to score against Brazil in an official match for the first time in his career.
Brazil vs Argentina: CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier, live updates from the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:
Update narrationThroughout their storied history, Argentina and Brazil have faced off 109 times across a variety of competitions. Brazil have won 43 times, Argentina 40 and 26 games have ended in a draw. Argentina have had the upper hand as of late, having beaten Brazil in "Superclasico de las Americas" in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 2019 and in the 2021 Copa America final, which took place at the Maracana.
There were very few fans let into the stadium for that final, so this should be a much different atmosphere in Rio de Janeiro. The last meeting between the two came in November of 2021 in San Juan, Argentina. The two sides battled to a 0-0 draw during 2022 World Cup qualifier.
Possible Starting Lineups for Brazil vs Argentina
Despite a 2-0 loss to Uruguay at home, Argentina isn't expected to make many changes. Brazil will be without their main man, Vinicius Jr., but are expected to get Gabriel Jesus back from injury.
Argentina: Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Marcos Acuña; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexia Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez; Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez, Angel Di Maria
Brazil: Alisson; Emerson Royal, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Carlos Augusto; Bruno Guimarães, Andre; Raphinha, Rodrigo, Gabriel Martinelli; Gabriel Jesus
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