After securing a slender 1-0 victory over Uruguay within the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers, Argentina, regardless of being with out their star Lionel Messi, is ready to face Brazil in one other high-stakes matchup. With Argentina already on the high of the desk, what outcome would assure qualification for Messi’s nationwide group?
Due to a superb strike from Thiago Almada, Argentina claimed a significant win in Montevideo, extending their lead on the high of the CONMEBOL standings with 28 factors from 13 matches. Extra importantly, they now maintain a 15-point benefit over Bolivia, who at present occupy the playoff spot. With simply 15 factors left to play for, it’s a frightening problem for Bolivia to catch up.
Whereas official qualification isn’t but confirmed, the mathematics is closely in Argentina’s favor. Bolivia would wish to win each remaining match, whereas Argentina must lose all of theirs, and Bolivia would wish to beat a major objective distinction (at present -16 for Bolivia and +15 for Argentina).
On this state of affairs, Argentina may probably safe qualification earlier than even stepping onto the sphere towards Brazil. Bolivia performs Uruguay 4 hours earlier than Argentina’s match, and if Bolivia loses, Argentina will probably be robotically certified for the 2026 World Cup. A draw towards Brazil would then seal their spot within the match.
With 9 wins, 1 draw, and three losses within the qualifiers, Argentina’s place within the World Cup appears all however assured. The 4 remaining matches following Brazil may even present a chance to usher in contemporary expertise, rejuvenating the group and making ready them for the challenges forward.
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Moreover, if Messi participates within the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he’ll obtain a historic milestone by changing into the primary participant ever to compete in six World Cups. This might surpass legends like Lothar Matthaus, Rafael Marquez, Gianluigi Buffon, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who every have 5 appearances.
Argentina’s historical past of World Cup qualification towards Brazil
Argentina will host Brazil, a group that has struggled to seek out its rhythm with out Neymar. For coach Lionel Scaloni and his group, securing qualification towards Brazil can be an enormous milestone—particularly given their final encounter.
In 2021, Argentina secured World Cup qualification with a 0-0 draw towards Brazil, one among their ultimate matches earlier than successful the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Constructing on this precedent, Argentina will probably be wanting to take one other key step towards securing their spot within the 2026 match.