What Argentina Needs to Qualify for the World Cup Before Facing Brazil?

The Argentine national team is on the brink of securing its spot in the 2026 World Cup in Mexico/United States/Canada, and it could achieve this even before facing Brazil this Tuesday at the Monumental. With 28 points, the Albiceleste leads the South American Qualifiers and has one foot in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Lionel Scaloni's team needs just a draw against Brazil to reach 31 points and become mathematically unreachable for Bolivia, which occupies the playoff spot with 13 points. If that result occurs, Argentina would become the first team from the continent to qualify.

But even without playing, the qualification could be secured earlier. If Bolivia does not defeat Uruguay (in a match prior to the Clásico de las Américas), the point difference will guarantee Argentina's direct qualification, sealing its thirteenth World Cup appearance since 1970. Thus, "La Scaloneta" could celebrate even before stepping onto the field.