Argentina vs Brazil: Line-ups, stats and preview

Argentina vs Brazil match preview

Brazil manager Dorival Junior has attempted to ease tensions around his side’s latest encounter with Argentina after a fiery build-up that has included Selecao forward Raphinha suggesting the rivalry between the squads could become violent.

The reigning world champions take on the most successful team in the history of the World Cup – Brazil have five titles – with Argentina’s place at the 2026 edition in the US, Canada and Mexico all but mathematically confirmed.

With five matches of the campaign remaining, Brazil have an eight-point cushion and a significant goal superiority over the Conmebol teams outside of the automatic qualification places.

“First, it’s a great classic in world football,” Dorival Junior observed before the match at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental, where Brazil drew 1-1 on their last visit in World Cup qualifying in November 2015.

VAMOS PRA CIMA! 🇧🇷🫵

A Seleção Brasileira foi a campo na tarde de sábado (22), dois dias após a vitória por 2 a 1 sobre a Colômbia. A atividade aconteceu no Mané Garrincha, em Brasília, onde Raphinha e Viniciurs Jr. marcaram os gols da vitória.

A Amarelinha ainda terá dois… pic.twitter.com/wUeg6gV01a

— CBF Futebol (@CBF_Futebol) March 23, 2025

“There will be a fight on the field but there will be respect between the two teams. We’re going to try to play football. We’re going to play against the team that won the world championship and the [2024] Copa America.

“We’re trying to get a great result, respecting everyone in all conditions. We’re definitely going to be respected. We understand that a football match is decided on the field… all of it will be decided on the pitch.”

Lyon and Argentina defender Nicolas Tagliafico says Brazil are “exciting” but believes La Albiceleste’s ability to “always play as a team” against their heavyweight rivals will earn them victory.

“A derby is always marked in red ,” Tagliafico added, via Ole. “There’s always the desire to face them – to beat your lifelong rivals.”

We have a 𝐂𝐥𝐚́𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐨 on our minds 🧠⏳ pic.twitter.com/MYkg5WWWux

— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) March 23, 2025

Argentina vs Brazil team news

Juventus winger Nico Gonzalez is suspended for Argentina after being dismissed in the 95th minute of their 1-0 win in Uruguay on Friday.

Captain Lionel Messi missed out on their squad after suffering an adductor injury described as “low-grade” by club side Inter Miami, with 23-year-old Botafogo forward Thiago Almada scoring their second-half winner against Uruguay.

Roma forward Paulo Dybala has had surgery on a thigh injury and Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez is a long-term absentee with cruciate ligament damage.

Arsenal defender Gabriel and Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes are banned for Brazil after first-half bookings in their 2-1 home win over Colombia on Friday, when Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior scored the 99th-minute winner.

Angel’s subtleties 🪄 pic.twitter.com/c0TcTC3nPS

— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) March 23, 2025

Flamengo midfielder Gerson is out with a muscle strain and goalkeeper Alisson has returned to Liverpool after being substituted against Colombia following a collision that knocked out opposition defender Davinson Sanchez.

Dorival Junior has confirmed six changes, including Wolves’ Matheus Cunha replacing Brighton & Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro in attack and 20-year-old Wesley, of Al-Nassr, starting over Monaco’s Vanderson on the right.

“Matheus has freedom of movement alongside Vini, as an attacking midfielder, as a second striker,” explained Dorival Junior.

“It will depend a lot on how Argentina position themselves. We are prepared for any and all situations. I hope we have a game that flows a little more naturally.”

GOLAAAAAÇOOO!!! THE BEST, É ELE: @vinijr 🇧🇷⚽️ pic.twitter.com/NVEJhbX7TR

— CBF Futebol (@CBF_Futebol) March 21, 2025

Argentina vs Brazil predicted lineups

Argentina starting XI: Martinez, Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico, Paredes, Mac Allister, Simeone, Fernandez, Almada, Alvarez

Brazil starting XI: Bento, Wesley, Marquinhos, Murillo, Arana, Rodrygo, Andre, Joelinton, Raphinha, Vinicius, Cunha

How to watch Argentina vs Brazil: TV and live online stream

The match starts at 20:00 Et on Tuesday and is being shown live on Fanatiz, which offers streaming on a wide variety of devices. A subscription costs $9.99 per month or $71.90 annually, with pay-per-view options available.

NBC is carrying Spanish-language coverage via Telemundo.

Argentina vs Brazil stats

Argentina vs Brazil prediction

The inexhaustible appeal of one of the most evocative fixtures in football is evidenced by how passionately either side has talked up a game with little riding on it in the context of World Cup qualification.

Lionel Scaloni was impressed by the depth of quality his squad showed against Uruguay in the absence of Messi, and the Argentina manager has a record of three wins and a draw in six meetings with Brazil, including a 1-0 victory in the 2021 Copa America final.

Brazil are the underdogs but Argentina have less to play for in absolute terms, especially if Bolivia fail to win at home to Uruguay four hours earlier, which would confirm the holders’ place at the finals.

The pace of Raphinha, Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior and Cunha should trouble Argentina’s defence and give Brazil the edge in a 2-1 victory.