The defending champions and the FIFA no.1-ranked team Argentina became the first team from CONMEBOL to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (CONMEBOL) still have four rounds left, and the defending champions Argentina have booked their tickets for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which the United States, Mexico, and Canada will host.
Argentina thrashed Brazil by 4-1 to confirm their spot for the FIFA World Cup 2026
In the 14th round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (CONMEBOL), Argentina hosted Brazil, where Lionel Messi missed due to injury. However, La Selección had a comfortable outing as they thrashed their arch-rivals by 4-1. Julián Alvarez (4’) opened the scoreline before the five minutes Enzo Fernández made the scoreline 2-0 for the hosts in the 12th minute.
Although Matheus Cunha reduced the lead to 2-1 with his 26th-minute goal for Brazil, Alexis Mac Allister added another first-half goal for the hosts (37’). Giuliano Simeone, the son of Diego Simeone, recorded his first international goal in the 71st minute.
In the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (CONMEBOL), Argentina are leading the points table with 31 points in 14 matches with 10 wins, one draw, and three losses. While Argentina have recorded 26 goals, they conceded eight goals in the ongoing Qualifiers. In the most goal-scorers list in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (CONMEBOL), Lionel Messi is jointly leading with Colombian Luis Díaz with six goals each.
2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (CONMEBOL): Argentina open the confirmation ticket in the confederation
Argentina is the first team from the CONMEBOL confederation to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
It is the 18th time Argentina have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Since 1974, Argentina have qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the 14th straight time.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina will compete as the defending champions
Argentina will play the FIFA World Cup 2026 as the defending champions. Although they lost their FIFA World Cup 2022 opener against Saudi Arabia in the group stage match, La Selección lifted the FIFA World Cup trophy for the third time.