Buenos Aires, the reigning champions Following Bolivia’s goalless draw against Uruguay at home in the qualifications, Argentina advanced to the FIFA World Cup 2026 without playing a single game.

After Iran, Japan, and New Zealand, as well as the three co-hosts, Canada, Mexico, and the United States, Argentina was the sixth country to join the field.

Bolivia drew 0-0 with Uruguay to give themselves an unassailable lead in the South American qualifications. Bolivia is the only team outside the qualifying spots that might have caught Argentina in the South American preliminaries.

Argentina will compete in its 19th World Cup in 2026. Only Brazil and Germany have taken part in more, placing 20th and 22nd in Qatar, respectively.

Argentina came out at a fast tempo when they hosted Brazil and crushed the visitors 4-1 in the qualifications, despite having secured World Cup qualifying before playing on turf.

Julian Alvarez forced his way between two opponents and pushed the ball past Bento to end the standoff after Thiago Almada twisted Marquinhos and slid it into his hands. FIFA says that Enzo Fernandez was then given a back-post tap-in after Nahuel Molina’s low cross miraculously slipped past three Brazilian bodies.

Matheus Cunha stole the ball from Christian Romero and sent it into the bottom corner from the outside of the penalty area, cutting the Selecao’s deficit in half. However, Alexis Mac Allister got to Fernandez’s dink into the box before Bento and guided it in, restoring the two-goal advantage. After Brazil’s defense was caught napping, Giuliano Simeone scored Argentina’s fourth goal, and his first at the international level, with a brilliant finish from a close angle.

Raphinha then struck the crossbar with a free kick, but they didn’t have a good night. It was overwhelmingly Argentina’s, who haven’t lost in the match in six years and put on one of their most dominant displays ever.