Argentina and Brazil, who are both coming off losses in their most recent FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifying matches, will face battle in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday. The world champions succumbed to Uruguay at home last time out, while the hosts were defeated by Colombia. After dropping points to Venezuela, Uruguay, and now Colombia, interim manager Fernando Diniz’s team needs to be cautious about their top six place in this qualifying round, where they have already won two, drawn one, and lost two. Albiceleste, driven by Lionel Scaloni, led the qualifying group, Nonetheless, despite suffering their first loss since losing to Saudi Arabia in the first match of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar against Marcelo Bielsa’s Celeste last time out. Argentina’s winning streak against Brazil is now three games to one, with a 1-0 Copa America victory in 2021 serving as the high point. They have also drawn once.
“I knew my time would come, little by little,” Rodrygo of Real Madrid stated in reference to the difficult task Brazil has in the absence of many household names. “With Neymar and Vini Jr. out, I have to live up to the increased expectations placed on me by the public. Argentina vs Brazil is a unique match. Even though I’m young, I have some experience. In my most significant matches, this will rank in the top three.”
Here are our plots, the match’s viewing instructions, and more:
How to watch and odds
- Date: Tuesday, Nov. 21 | Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadio Nilton Santos — Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- TV: Telemundo | Live stream: Fubo (try for free)
Fubo’s holiday offer just kicked off! For a limited time, new subscribers can save $40 on Fubo’s Pro, Elite and Premier plans ($20 off the first and second months). - Odds: Brazil +140; Draw: +200; Argentina +190
Team news
Brazil: Joao Pedro of Brighton & Hove Albion may start in place of Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, who is sidelined due to a hamstring injury; however, Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal may start in a more central role. Endrick, who is headed to Real Madrid, ought to start, while Gabriel Jesus of the Gunners may only be able to fill a supporting role. In the middle of the pitch, Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa and Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United might start. Brazil’s Ederson, Danilo, Eder Militao, Casemiro, Neymar, and Richarlison are all out due to injury.
“I’m worried about Gabriel,” Diniz declared prior to Argentina’s match. “He was important to us, which is why we brought him here.” He was one of the guys who was able to have a beneficial effect on the game even if we didn’t perform up to par against Uruguay. Even though it was an extremely challenging game, he managed to play well. He made it easier for us to hold onto our positions and occasionally even cause problems for ourselves. He underwent a new MRI as soon as he got there.We are taking great care of him. He will be available to play Argentina if he is not suffering from any problems. Gabriel felt that coming here was crucial, and he would leave Arsenal in even better shape than when he arrived.”
Potential Brazil XI: Alisson; Guimaraes, Andre, Luiz; Emerson, Marquinhos, Magalhaes, Lodi; Rodrygo, Martinelli, Raphinha.
Argentina: Scaloni might substitute Lautaro Martinez of Inter, forcing Nicolas Gonzalez to the bench and forcing Julian Alvarez of Manchester City to miss. Rodrigo De Paul of Atletico Madrid is expected to make his debut, since Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United and fellow Red Devil Lisandro Martinez (injury) are not included in the starting lineup.
Potential Argentina XI: L Martinez, Alvarez, Messi, Mac Allister, Fernandez, E Martinez, Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico, and De Paul.