World Cup 2026: Argentina crush Brazil in stunning 4-1 win

Brazil were humiliated 4-1 by bitter rivals Argentina in South American World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday as the pressure mounted on manager Dorival Jr after his side were comprehensively outplayed and fortunate not to lose by more.

After edging Colombia 2-1 at home on Thursday, Brazil came crashing back to earth against the world champions, who started the rout with a close-range strike by Julián Álvarez four minutes after kick-off.

Álvarez took a through pass from Thiago Almada in his stride and evaded two defenders before beating the advancing goalkeeper Bento with a gentle touch to his right.

"This is a team victory. We played as a team, and that's why we were able to minimize Brazil," Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said.

"I really don't know if it's our greatest victory, we've played great games and doing great things in them. A team has to know what to do in different situations, and tonight, the boys did great."

A 0-0 draw between Uruguay and Bolivia earlier on Tuesday had sealed Argentina's spot at the 2026 World Cup as they became the first South American team to qualify for the tournament in North America.

AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko

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Even without the injured Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez Argentina were streets ahead of their rivals and they did not have to wait long to extend their lead with Enzo Fernández making it 2-0 in the 12th minute.

A terrific team goal saw Rodrigo de Paul, Almada and Álvarez combine before Fernandez finished off Nahuel Molina's low cross at the far post.

Argentina were in full control and passing the ball around to chants of "Ole" from a sold-out crowd at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires when Brazil pulled one back, a mistake from defender Cristian Romero gifting Matheus Cunha a goal in the 26th minute.

But Argentina restored their two-goal lead in the 37th minute through Alexis Mac Allister, who fired home from a Fernandez cross following another superb team move.

Argentina, who have not lost to Brazil in six years, wasted several chances to extend their lead before substitute Giuliano Simeone wrapped up the scoring in the 71st minute, handing Brazil their heaviest defeat in a World Cup qualifier.

"Our plan for today's match didn't work from the first minute. I have to recognise what happened, how our rival outplayed us and they deservedly got the victory," Brazil coach Dorival Junior said after the match.

"It's a significant defeat and we are in a complicated, difficult process. But I have no doubt that we'll find a way out."

Argentina top the South American standings with 31 points from 14 matches, 17 points clear of seventh-placed Bolívia, who currently hold the spot for the international playoffs.

Brazil are fourth on 21 points.

"All of us can do better than this. It isn't only about Dorival," Brazil captain Marquinhos said.

"This is not only the coach's fault, it is the players too. We need to have our heads in the right place. They (Argentina) also had tough times before and they overcame it. We can do it too."