The Matchday 14 World Cup 2026 qualifying clash between Argentina and Brazil will take place on March 26 at the "Monumental" Stadium in Buenos Aires. Argentina vs. Brazil: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Argentina
The team continues to lead confidently in the South American World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Heading into this encounter, Argentina is coming off two consecutive 1-0 victories in the tournament. In the last round, Argentina secured a win away against Uruguay. Notably, Lionel Scaloni's side has scored the most goals in the South American qualifiers (22 goals) and leads their closest rival by six points. A victory in this match would guarantee them a spot in the World Cup finals.
- At least one team has failed to score in 10 of Argentina's last 13 World Cup qualifying matches.
- The team has conceded more than one goal in only 3 of their last 24 South American World Cup qualifiers.
- Argentina has opened the scoring in their last five World Cup qualifying matches.
Predicted lineup for Argentina (4-3-3)
Emiliano Martinez – Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico – Thiago Almada, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister – Leandro Paredes, Julian Alvarez, Giuliano Simeone.
Due to injuries, forwards Paulo Dybala, Lionel Messi, and Lautaro Martinez, as well as defenders Marcos Acuña and Lisandro Martinez, will miss the match. Forward Nico Gonzalez is suspended.
Brazil
Dorival Junior's team narrowly defeated Colombia 2-1 in the last round, scoring the decisive goal in the 99th minute. As a result, Brazil's unbeaten run in the South American qualifiers has extended to five matches (3 wins and 2 draws). The team has climbed to third place in the standings, nine points ahead of Bolivia, which is in seventh place, a position that only offers a playoff spot for World Cup qualification.
- At least two goals have been scored in each of Brazil's last five World Cup qualifying matches.
- The team has conceded in 9 of their last 11 World Cup qualifiers.
- In 8 of Brazil's last 10 away South American qualifiers, no more than one goal was scored in the second half.
Predicted lineup for Brazil (4-2-3-1)
Alisson Becker – Gabriel Magalhães, Guilherme Arana, Marquinhos, Vanderson – Gerson Santos, Bruno Guimarães – Rodrygo Goes, Vinicius Junior, Raphinha Dias – Joao Pedro Jesus.
Due to injuries, the team will be without goalkeepers Ederson and Alisson Becker, defenders Yan Couto and Danilo, midfielders Gerson Santos and Casemiro, and forward Neymar. Defender Gabriel Magalhães and midfielder Bruno Guimarães are suspended. Notably, goalkeeper Weverton, defender Lucas Beraldo, and midfielders Joao Gomes and Ederson have been called up urgently.
Referee
Andres Rojas (Colombia)
Matches – 14 (International matches, 2024–2025);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 70;
Average yellow cards per match – 5;
Red cards shown – 4;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 29%.
Match Prediction: Argentina vs. Brazil
The hosts are aiming to secure their place in the World Cup finals with a win in this round. Defeating Brazil will be challenging, especially with the absence of key forwards Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, and Paulo Dybala. Meanwhile, the pentacampeões are also dealing with injuries to key players, particularly goalkeepers Ederson and Alisson Becker. However, Brazil's attacking line remains intact, so Argentina will likely focus more on defending their goal.
Defeating Argentina on their home turf is incredibly difficult. In their last 19 home World Cup qualifiers, they have lost only once (13 wins and 5 draws). Even at home, Argentina rarely plays high-scoring matches – in their last 24 World Cup qualifiers, only once have more than three goals been scored. Brazil has won only one of their last five away World Cup qualifiers (1 draw and 3 losses). High-scoring encounters are also rare – in their last six away games, more than three goals have not been scored.
My prediction: "1X and Total under 3.5 goals"
Emiliano Martínez
Nicolás Otamendi
Cristian Gabriel Romero
Nahuel Molina Lucero
Enzo Jeremías Fernández
Alexis Mac Allister
Leandro Paredes
Gerónimo Rulli
Walter Daniel Benítez
Germán Alejo Pezzella
Facundo Axel Medina
Juan Foyth
Nicolás Paz Martínez
Benjamín Domínguez
Bento
Marquinhos Calazans
Guilherme Arana
Murillo Santiago Costa dos Santos
Wesley Vinícius França Lima
Paulo André
Joelinton
Weverton
Vanderson de Oliveira Campos
Éderson José dos Santos Lourenço da Silva
Sávio Moreira de Oliveira
João Pedro de Jesus
