Argentina 4-1 Brazil: World Cup holders qualify for 2026 tournament after inflicting rivals' heaviest qualifying loss

World Cup holders Argentina have qualified for next year's tournament after a historic 4-1 home win over rivals Brazil.

Before kick-off in Buenos Aires, Bolivia's failure to beat Uruguay meant Argentina had already secured one of the continent's six direct spots for the 48-team World Cup to be co-hosted next year by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The three-time World Cup winners - who were without Lionel Messi due to a thigh injury - then emphatically beat Brazil as they raced into a 12th-minute two-goal lead thanks to goals from Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez and Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

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Wolves forward Matheus Cunha then capitalised on Tottenham defender Cristian Romero's error to make it 2-1 in the 26th minute.

But Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister restored the home side's two-goal lead 11 minutes later, with Atletico Madrid forward Giuliano Simeone scoring Argentina's fourth in the second half.

It meant Brazil - who were missing Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker, Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes and Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes - suffered their heaviest defeat in South American World Cup qualifying history to pile pressure on head coach Dorival Junior.

It is also the first time Argentina have won both matches against Brazil in World Cup qualifying, while it was Argentina's first home qualification victory against Brazil since 2005.

Brazil, the five-time World Cup winners, sit in fourth place in South American qualifying, 10 points behind leaders Argentina but only two points behind second-place Ecuador with four matches remaining.

The top six sides in the 10-team table will automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup, with Brazil sitting six points ahead of seventh-placed Venezuela, who occupy the inter-confederation play-offs spot.

Martinez mocks Brazil with keepy-uppies

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez appeared to mock Brazil as he did keepy-uppies in his own box late in the game with Argentina leading 4-1.

It came after several flare-ups throughout the game as ex-Manchester City and Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi was involved in a heated exchange with Barcelona forward Raphinha, with the Benfica man reportedly telling the Brazilian to "talk less".

There was then a confrontation between Brazil's Real Madrid forward Rodrygo and Roma midfielder Leandro Paredes, in which it appeared the Argentine told the Brazilian about the number of international titles he had won compared to his.

Then at full-time, Martinez was in the thick of it again as he appeared to deliberately bump into Raphinha before tensions boiled over between the Brazilian and Paredes, requiring Romero to calm the situation with Newcastle midfielder Joelinton then calming his Brazilian team-mate down.

Brazil captain Marquinhos: Defeat 'embarrassing'

Brazil captain Marquinhos apologised to fans after labelling the defeat "embarrassing".

The Paris Saint-Germain defender told Brazilian TV station Globo: "What we did here today can't happen again.

"It's hard to talk about it in the heat of the moment. It's embarrassing.

"We started the game very badly, far below what we could do and they're on a great run of confidence. They knew how to play smart. I'm sorry for our fans."

Brazil boss Dorival Jr is under mounting pressure after winning just seven of his 16 games in charge since taking over in early 2024.

"It's not just the coach's fault. It's the players' fault too," Marquinhos said.

"There's no secret formula in football where you make a choice and it works out. We can all do better. We have to share the blame.

"It's about understanding the moment and being humble."

River Plate driving Argentina success on the international stage

The 4-1 win for Argentina over Brazil is being celebrated as a famous one across the country - but it was also a night of celebration for River Plate's academy.

The Club World Cup team watched on as Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez and Giuliano Simeone scored in the World Cup qualifier - having all come through 'Escuelita'; River Plate's edu-sport training centre.

Some legendary names have passed through River Plate's academy, including six of the World Cup-winning alumni of Qatar 2022; Alvarez, Fernandez, Gonzalo Montiel, German Pezzella, Guido Rodriguez and Exequiel Palacios.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has recently spotted the promise coming through 'Escuelita', signing Alvarez in 2022 and more recently Claudio Echeverri, who is now training with the City first team.

Since 2005, River Plate have been the top non-European exporters of players to the big five leagues - with 51 talents transferred.

The academy was recently revamped to provide future stars with even greater facilities and support for exponential growth.

And 17-year-old attacking midfielder Franco Mastantuono is tipped to be the next one to follow, potentially into the Premier League.

Argentina thrashed Brazil at River Plate's stadium on Tuesday night too - and Stefano Di Carlo, River Plate's general secretary said: "It's no coincidence that Argentina have won all five matches played at our home - the home of the national team.

"The Monumental is worthy of the best team in the world: it's the largest stadium in South America, with the best pitch in the country and top-level facilities.

"The outstanding performances from Julian and Enzo on this historic night, like those of so many players developed at River, reflect a long-standing club tradition: being the greatest talent factory for the Argentine national team - and the world."

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