Qualifiers: Brazil faces 1-0 defeat to Argentina at Maracanã
In a Tuesday night (Nov. 21) clash at the Maracanã stadium in Rio, Brazil experienced their third consecutive defeat in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, succumbing to a 1-0 loss against Argentina. This setback has positioned the Brazilian team in 6th place in the standings, with a total of seven points.
Despite the return to a formation with two men in the middle and four forwards, Fernando Diniz's side faced challenges, even though they initially leveled the game against the reigning world champions, featuring the star Lionel Messi. The victory for Argentina ensures their dominance in the standings with 15 points.
The turning point came in the second half when Argentina capitalized on a set piece. Lo Celso delivered a corner 17 minutes into the half, and Otamendi's precise header secured the winning goal.
Clash
Moments before the start of the match between Brazil and Argentina, fans from both teams clashed in the southern section of the stadium. Despite the intervention of the Military Police, the situation escalated rather than subsided.
Unlike other sporting events of this nature held at the Maracanã stadium, the fans were not positioned in separate sectors, nor did they have any form of isolation.
"It was frightening. A skirmish that initially appeared small grew in proportion. Families were cornered, and children were thrown from the stands to avoid harm. A very sad incident in a packed and festive Maracanã," said journalist Marília Arrigoni, presenter of TV Brasil's Stadium program, who was covering the match at the Maracanã.
Argentina's players even left the pitch, creating the impression that they might not participate in the match. Consequently, the kickoff was delayed by 30 minutes.
