Argentina secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an impressive 4-1 victory over Brazil in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.
The hosts had already qualified earlier in the day after Bolivia and Uruguay played to a 0-0 draw.
Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Giuliano Simeone scored for Argentina in front of a celebratory crowd at the Estadio Monumental.
Alvarez started the scoring in the sixth minute, connecting with Thiago Almada’s pass and skillfully finishing past Brazilian goalkeeper Bento.
Fernandez doubled Argentina’s lead six minutes later, capitalising on Brazil’s defensive error to convert a low cross.
Brazil found a way back into the match in the 26th minute when Cristian Romero’s mistake allowed Mattheus Cunha to score, making it 2-1.
Mac Allister restored Argentina’s two-goal advantage in the 37th minute with a well-executed volley from Almada’s assist.
Simeone, the 22-year-old son of Diego Simeone, scored his first international goal in the 71st minute with a powerful shot from a difficult angle.
Argentina now lead the South American qualifying group with 31 points from 14 matches, securing one of six automatic qualification spots for the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Brazil currently sit in fourth position in the standings.
Ecuador maintained their qualification hopes with a goalless draw against Chile in Santiago, keeping them in second place with 23 points.
Uruguay moved up to third place on goal difference following their draw with Bolivia and Brazil’s defeat.
Colombia missed an opportunity to gain ground on the leaders after drawing 2-2 with Paraguay in Barranquilla.
Luis Diaz and Jhon Duran put Colombia ahead 2-0 within 13 minutes, but Paraguay fought back with goals from Junior Alonso and Julio Enciso.
Venezuela enhanced their chances of qualifying for their first World Cup with a 1-0 victory over Peru in Maturin.
Salomon Rondon converted a penalty in the 41st minute to secure the win for Venezuela.
The victory moved Venezuela to seventh place in the standings, putting them in position for an inter-confederation playoff spot.
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