World Cup qualification: Argentina marches, Brazil stumbles

While Brazil only managed a draw in Venezuela on the third matchday, Argentina extended its perfect start in World Cup qualification in South America on Friday night (October 13, 2023).

The “Albiceleste” won against Paraguay 1-0 (1-0) in the Estadio Monumental in the capital Buenos Aires. Superstar Lionel Messi initially saw Argentina get off to a brilliant start from the bench. After just three minutes, Nicolás Otamendi volleyed home a corner kick to take the lead. The team coached by Lionel Scaloni tried to score a second goal under high pressure, but both Lautaro Martínez (30th), De Paul (41st) and Nicolás González (44th) missed great chances.

Messi only hits the crossbar

In the 53rd minute, the Estadio Monumental welcomed Messi, who was injured in the last game, with a standing ovation. In the 75th minute, the Inter Miami professional almost scored a remarkable goal from the corner – but the ball only hit the crossbar in a high arc.

It was the Albiceleste’s third win after the opener against Ecuador (1-0) and the away win in Bolivia (3-0). Since the World Cup final against France (4:2 iE), the world champion around goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has not conceded a goal.

Venezuela punished Brazilian Opportunity usury

Brazil, on the other hand, stumbled for the first time in the third game after beating Bolivia 5-1 and Peru 1-0. Gabriel Magalhaes scored the Selecao’s only goal in the 50th minute after a corner from Neymar. A goal scored by Vinicius Junior was disallowed for offside. The team, coached by interim coach Fernando Diniz, missed many chances, slowed down the pace and was punished for it. Eduard Bello equalized for Venezuela with a remarkable overhead kick in the 85th minute.

In the remaining games, Colombia and Uruguay drew 2-2, Chile won 2-0 against Peru and Ecuador celebrated a 2-1 win against Bolivia.

Qualification in Europe doesn’t start until 2025

For the first time, 48 teams will take part in the mega tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico from June 11th to July 19th instead of the previous 32. New to the qualification mode is the so-called intercontinental playoff tournament in March 2026, in which the last two World Cup tickets will be awarded. Except for Europe, all continents are represented.

In Europe, the qualifying games will take place from March to November 2025. The twelve group winners qualify directly for the final round. The runners-up in the group and the four best-placed group winners of the 2024/25 Nations League, who are not in the top two places in their group in the qualification, will contest a continental playoff tournament in March 2026 for the remaining four World Cup tickets.