Argentina crush Brazil to celebrate World Cup qualification in style.

BUENOS AIRES, March 26 — Argentina celebrated their qualification for the 2026 World Cup in style, delivering a stunning 4-1 victory over arch-rivals Brazil in Buenos Aires yesterday.

Goals from Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Giuliano Simeone sealed a commanding win for the reigning world champions, who had already secured their World Cup berth earlier in the day after Bolivia held Uruguay to a goalless draw.

That result set the stage for a festive atmosphere at the Estadio Monumental, and Argentina kept the celebrations alive with a scintillating performance.

Atletico Madrid forward Alvarez struck early, scoring in the sixth minute after latching onto Thiago Almada’s through ball and calmly chipping Brazil goalkeeper Bento. Six minutes later, Chelsea’s Fernandez doubled the lead, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to slot home Argentina’s second.

Brazil found a lifeline in the 26th minute when Cristian Romero’s error gifted Mattheus Cunha a goal. The Tottenham defender was caught in possession 25 yards from goal, allowing Cunha to steal in and fire past Emiliano Martinez, reducing the deficit to 2-1.

However, any hopes of a Brazilian comeback were extinguished in the 37th minute when Mac Allister delivered a stunning volley from an Almada lofted pass, restoring Argentina’s two-goal cushion.

Simeone then put the result beyond doubt in the 71st minute, smashing the ball into the roof of the net from a tight angle for his first international goal, sending the home crowd into raptures.

Ecuador Stay on Course

The victory confirms Argentina’s place in next year’s World Cup, set to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with four games still to play. They lead the 10-team South American qualifying group with 31 points from 14 matches and have secured one of the six automatic qualification spots. Brazil sit in fourth place.

Elsewhere in South America, Ecuador maintained their qualification push with a 0-0 draw against Chile in Santiago. Ecuador remain second in the standings, eight points behind Argentina with 23 points.

Uruguay moved up to third place on goal difference following their draw with Bolivia, while Brazil’s heavy defeat saw them slip further in the standings.

Colombia missed an opportunity to close the gap at the top after drawing 2-2 with Paraguay in Barranquilla. Early goals from Luis Diaz and Jhon Duran put Colombia 2-0 up within 13 minutes, but Paraguay responded through Junior Alonso and Julio Enciso to salvage a point.

Meanwhile, Venezuela kept their dream of a first-ever World Cup appearance alive with a crucial 1-0 win over Peru in Maturin. Salomon Rondon’s 41st-minute penalty secured the victory, pushing Venezuela into seventh place and keeping them in contention for an inter-confederation playoff spot. — AFP