Argentina’s defender Nicolas Otamendi (L) celebrates with midfielder Enzo Fernandez after scoring during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualification match against Brazil. | Photo Credit: AFP
In Wednesday’s FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana Stadium, Nicolas Otamendi of Argentina netted a crucial goal, guiding his team to a 1-0 victory against Brazil.
A multitude of fans gathered at the Maracana Stadium on Tuesday, anticipating Lionel Messi’s possible final appearance in Brazil during the superclasico World Cup qualifier against the hosts. However, the match took a different turn as Nicolas Otamendi’s lone goal secured a 1-0 victory for Argentina, following an unfortunate fan altercation that caused a delay in the game’s start.
This significant win marked Brazil’s first-ever home defeat in World Cup qualifying by the reigning champions. It also added to Brazil’s string of setbacks in the round-robin tournament, amplifying the challenges for their new coach, Fernando Diniz.
In the 78th minute, Messi exited the field amidst a blend of both disapproving jeers and appreciative applause from Brazilian fans. Notably, numerous children donned Barcelona and Inter Miami shirts—the former being the star’s former club—upon their arrival at the Maracana.
In FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers The celebrated Argentine player faced a lingering challenge at the Maracana, unable to mark a goal against the Brazilians in a World Cup qualifier.
Despite this, Argentina’s return home is marked not only by their leadership in the South American qualifying standings but also by granting their supporters another opportunity to revel in a victory at Rio de Janeiro’s historic stadium. A poignant reminder emerges from two years ago when Ángel di Maria secured the sole goal, clinching the Copa America title for Argentina in an empty Maracana.
The distressing incident before kick-off, erupting shortly after the national anthems, caused a 27-minute delay in the match. Led by Messi, the Argentine team retreated to the locker rooms for 22 minutes amid the turmoil. Regrettably, at least one fan was injured, leaving the stadium with a head wound. Authorities reported the arrest of eight individuals due to the altercation, handled by Rio police.
The hostility among fans spilled onto the pitch in the initial 20 minutes, evident in the referee’s consecutive fouls against Brazil. However, tensions gradually subsided, allowing Argentina to navigate away from direct confrontations.
Brazil squandered crucial opportunities throughout the match, notably with Raphinha’s close attempt from a free kick in the 38th minute, followed by Cristian Romero’s pivotal clearance off the goal line for Argentina, stemming from Gabriel Martinelli’s shot moments later.
The Brazilian side indicated an intent to sustain pressure post-half-time. Rodrygo’s effort in the 54th minute forced a close-range save from Argentina’s goalkeeper, Dibu Martinez.
However, Argentina’s breakthrough arrived in the 63rd minute when Otamendi soared above the Brazilian defenders, nodding in a header from a corner kick—a rare chance the team capitalized on amidst limited opportunities.
Despite Brazil’s hopeful introduction of teenager Endrick in the 72nd minute, the impact was minimal.
Tensions escalated further for Brazil in the 81st minute when midfielder Joelinton, freshly substituted, received a red card for pushing Rodrigo de Paul. The conclusion of the match witnessed Brazil fans chanting “ole” at every touch by the Argentinians, while visiting supporters waved their shirts in celebration as some of their players rejoiced on the field.
Argentina currently leads the South American qualifying competition, comprising 10 teams, securing 15 points from six matches. Following closely are Uruguay and Colombia, both with 13 points. Meanwhile, Brazil faces the prospect of concluding the year in sixth place, having amassed seven points.
The forthcoming 2026 World Cup, set in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will host 48 teams, granting direct entry to the top six South American teams. However, the seventh-place team stands a chance to secure a berth in an Intercontinental playoff.
In other matches on Tuesday, Colombia clinched a 1-0 victory against Paraguay, Uruguay triumphed 3-0 against Bolivia in Montevideo, and Ecuador secured a 1-0 win over Chile.
The matches between Peru and Venezuela were ongoing at the conclusion of the Brazil vs. Argentina game.
Looking ahead, the seventh and eighth rounds of South American qualifying are scheduled for September following the next edition of Copa America in the United States.
🏆 #Eliminatorias
— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) November 22, 2023
⚽ @Argentina 🇦🇷 1 (Nicolás Otamendi) 🆚 #Brasil 🇧🇷 0
👉 ¡Final del partido!
¡#VamosArgentina! 🤜🤛 pic.twitter.com/iEWuYUJu5l
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