Argentina will face Brazil in a highly anticipated World Cup qualifier at El Monumental stadium on Wednesday night. With Argentina currently leading the South American qualification group, this match holds significant importance for both teams. Brazil, under coach Dorival Junior, is under scrutiny following recent performances, while Argentina navigates the absence of Lionel Messi. With both teams looking for a morale-boosting victory, this clash promises to be a thrilling encounter in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup.
The iconic clash of Argentina versus Brazil will unfold in the largest stadium in South America. On Wednesday night at 9 PM local time (1 AM CEST), the Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti, affectionately known as El Monumental in the Belgrano district, will be filled to capacity for this highly anticipated World Cup qualifier.
Home to River Plate, this grand arena, which accommodates nearly 85,000 spectators, is set to witness the world champions showcase their prowess. Currently, they lead the nine-team South American qualification group with 28 points, while Ecuador follows closely with 22 points, and Brazil sits in third with 21 points.
A Long Wait for Brazil Against Their Rivals
With the upcoming 2026 World Cup featuring 48 teams from Canada, Mexico, and the USA, the qualification for these two football giants is nearly assured. Yet, this match transcends mere qualification; it’s a battle for pride. A victory against their arch-rival is the ultimate joy, while a loss is a bitter pill for fans to swallow.
Brazil has been longing for a triumph over Argentina for six long years, with their last victory dating back to a 2-0 win in the Copa America semifinals in 2019. With only six wins out of 13 World Cup qualifying matches played in Argentina’s capital, this game presents a significant test of character for the ‘Seleção.’
Coach Dorival Junior Faces Scrutiny
Following a hard-fought 2-1 win against Colombia, where Vinicius Junior scored in the dying moments, discontent among fans was palpable during halftime. As the players headed to the locker rooms in Brasília, they faced boos from the crowd, indicating a growing dissatisfaction with the team’s performance.
In addition to Vinicius Junior, the squad includes fellow stars Rodrygo (Real Madrid) and Raphinha (FC Barcelona), all of whom have demonstrated their international talent. Raphinha recently declared, ‘We will beat them, I am sure of that. On the field and off the field, if necessary.’
However, such bold statements raise questions about their necessity. ‘O Globo,’ Rio de Janeiro’s leading newspaper, highlighted crucial issues after the match against Colombia, noting, ‘There was a lack of offensive creativity and defensive solidity.’ Under the management of Dorival Junior, the team has struggled to deliver, leading to increasing criticism towards the 62-year-old coach.
Despite the late win over Colombia, the pressure is mounting on Dorival Junior.
Argentina’s Challenge Without Messi
Brazil is expected to regain its championship-winning form by the summer of 2026 following their disappointing quarterfinal exit in the 2022 World Cup against Croatia. In contrast, Argentina appears more advanced, even with the absence of superstar Lionel Messi due to muscle issues. The well-coordinated team, guided by world champion coach Lionel Scaloni, already claimed a 1-0 victory in the first leg held in Rio de Janeiro.
Scaloni, who was awarded FIFA World Coach of the Year 2022, has solidified his reputation after winning the Copa América last year in the USA. Meanwhile, Dorival must tread carefully to retain his position at Brazil’s Football Confederation (CBF) before the World Cup, especially after making questionable statements regarding Neymar’s potential return despite the player’s 17-month absence from international matches. With three previous World Cups resulting in disappointments for the now 33-year-old, doubts linger about Neymar’s role as a beacon of hope for 2026.
As World Cup qualifiers kick off in March, we may see early decisions regarding qualifications, with teams like Japan and New Zealand potentially leading the way, while even smaller nations hold out hope for success.
Anticipated Changes for Brazil’s Squad
Neymar’s injury means he will miss the upcoming match, prompting Dorival to implement significant changes. Gabriel and Bruno are sidelined due to yellow card suspensions, midfielder Gerson is out with muscle issues, and goalkeeper Alisson is recovering from a head injury.
Expectations are high for the introduction of several new players, including goalkeeper Bento (al-Nassr), Murillo, André, and Joelinton (Newcastle), as well as Wesley (Flamengo) and Matheus Cunha (Wolverhampton).
Despite the challenges, Brazil’s national coach remains optimistic. ‘We have worked hard to spread the ball wide, create alternatives and opportunities to play better’, Dorival stated in the wake of the last training session, assuring fans, ‘The team is developing and will get better.’ This commitment to improvement will be put to the test in the upcoming classic match.
Looking ahead, the 2026 World Cup will welcome 48 teams for the first time, with the distribution of spots already determined and a total of 104 matches set to take place. The logistical aspects of travel will also be a significant part of the conversation.