FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier: Argentina claim historic win in Brazil

Argentina stunned Brazil with victory in their World Cup qualifying match at the Maracana Stadium on Tuesday (21 November), ending one of the longest unbeaten runs in world football.

Brazil had never before lost a men's FIFA World Cup qualifier on home soil, but a solitary goal from the head of Nicolas Otamendi gave the visitors a 1-0 win. Brazil ended the game with 10-men as Joelinton was given a red card for a push.

The kick-off in Rio de Janeiro was delayed for around 30 minutes following clashes between police and fans inside the stadium during the national anthems, with Lionel Messi leading his Argentina team back to the changing rooms before tensions were calmed.

Reigning world champions Argentina remain top of the standings in the South American qualifying group for FIFA World Cup 2026.

Five-time World Cup winners Brazil are now sixth in the group after a third straight defeat.

The top six will qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 finals in USA, Canada, and Mexico.

The nation in seventh place will go onto feature in the FIFA Play-Off Tournament along with five teams from other regions, in a bid for the two remaining places at the finals.

Elsewhere in the sixth round of South American qualifiers, Ecuador move above Brazil into fifth with a 1-0 win over Chile.

Venezuela remain fourth despite being held to a 1-1 draw by bottom-placed Peru.

Colombia are third after they won 1-0 at Paraguay.

Uruguay stay second thanks to a 3-0 win over Bolivia.

FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification for the CONMEBOL region began in September 2023 and will run until September 2025.