That expanded field means Argentina is already well on its way to a World Cup return, but the table is tightening up. Brazil have recovered after a slow start, while Colombia and Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay are dangerous but have had hiccups and Bolivia had won three in a row to thicken the plot in the race for the final

Brazil has not won in Argentina for 16 years and hasn't scored in Argentina in 10 years. That didn't put off Brazil striker Raphinha, who kicked off the hostilities on Monday by promising to score against the World Cup holder in Buenos Aires on Tuesday in a 2026 qualifier.

Striker Lautaro Martinez isn't available to play with Argentina in the match against Brazil for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. Argentina and Brazil clash for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires for a highly anticipated match.