Argentina 4-1 Brazil: La Albiceleste cruise to victory in Superclasico

Argentina marked their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an impressive 4-1 victory over their longstanding rivals Brazil at Estadio Monumental, achieving their eighth win in nine World Cup Qualifiers played at home.

The first half was action-packed, featuring four goals from only five shots on target.

With the knowledge of their World Cup qualification already secured, Argentina took an early lead within the first five minutes. Thiago Almada set up Julian Alvarez in the penalty area, allowing him to deftly slide the ball past goalkeeper Bento. Shortly after, Nahuel Molina delivered a cross into the box, where Enzo Fernandez was positioned to tap in a quick second goal for the home side at the back post.

Cristian Romero's hesitation on the ball provided Brazil with a chance to respond, as Matheus Cunha intercepted his pass and capitalized by firing a shot into the bottom corner. This marked the first time in nine encounters that both teams found the net in the same match.

That was Brazil's only attempt in the first half, as Argentina continued to assert their dominance. Almada nearly added a third goal for the hosts, but his left-footed effort was expertly tipped over the bar by Bento.

Before the half concluded, Argentina struck again, with Fernandez turning provider for Alexis Mac Allister, who managed to score by nudging the ball past the advancing Bento.

Just four minutes into the second half, Alvarez posed another threat, but his clever chip was again deflected over by Bento.

Fernandez later sent a dangerous cross into the box just after the hour mark, but Nicolas Tagliafico's header went over the bar.

Nevertheless, the left-back played a crucial role in Argentina's fourth goal, delivering a precise ball across the goal that found Giuliano Simeone, who scored his first international goal with a powerful shot off the crossbar from a tight angle.

Brazil faced a challenging defeat, yet Raphinha nearly improved the scoreline with a free-kick that grazed the top of the crossbar.

The home team nearly added a fifth goal late in the match when Leandro Paredes' long-range shot was deflected by Bento.

Argentina solidified their position at the summit of the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying table, while Brazil, concerningly, dropped to fourth place, marking the end of their five-match unbeaten streak in World Cup qualifiers.

SportsLigue