Argentina vs. Brazil explodes without stars in 2026 World Cup qualifier | OneFootball

It's a fact, the billboard of this showdown lost its two most starry headliners. No Messi on one side, no Neymar on the other. But do not be fooled: Brazil vs. Argentina is still a global spectacle that makes the soccer world come to a standstill. And Tuesday's meeting at El Monumental in Buenos Aires, a match in the 14th round of 2026 World Cup qualifying, has all the ingredients to come to a boil. The weight of the past, the tension of the present. A 16-year wait, a desire for revenge. And one team at the top while the other's in hot pursuit.

Argentina plays like a team that can already see the finish line

De Paul to start against Brazil | SOPA Images/GettyImages

On paper, Argentina's sitting comfortably. Clear leaders with 28 points, Scaloni’s squad rolls in riding back-to-back 1–0 wins, first over Peru at home, then Uruguay away. Not flashy, but efficient. The kind of results that show more control than spark, but also the maturity of a team that knows how to manage what the match demands. With a draw, Argentina can already punch its ticket to the World Cup. They potentially could ride. But that whole "playing for the tie" thing never comes to fruition when the team at the other end of the pitch is wearing yellow and green.

Messi’s out, sidelined with an injury. But the attack is still alive and well, now driven by Julián Álvarez and Thiago Almada, who are stepping into the spotlight with no hesitation. Rodrigo De Paul, who sat out the last match to avoid suspension, should return. This is still a battle-tested Argentina. The core of the reigning world champions is intact, and that matters. On and off the field.

On the other hand, a Brazil that's finally back in contention

Raphinha could be one of the highlights of the Brazilian national team | Anadolu/GettyImages

Not so long ago, Brazil looked lost. Coaches were in and out like TV channel flips, and the performances only added to the confusion. But it looks like Dorival Júnior is bringing some sense to the madness. Brazil arrives unbeaten in five games, three wins, two draws, and comes off a gritty 2–1 win over Colombia, sealed at the dying second. It was not pretty, but it was crucial.

However, this team is far from full strength. The list of absentees would give any manager a headache. Neymar, Ederson, Danilo, and Gerson are all injured. Bruno Guimarães and Gabriel Magalhães are suspended. Alisson, Liverpool's outstanding keeper, misses out too, following FIFA's concussion protocol. That's two goalkeepers out, your number 10, a first-choice midfielder, and key components of the defensive spine. Dorival had to improvise. He has called up Beraldo, Éderson, João Gomes, and Weverton. He has given Wesley a chance, and the youngster was dynamic against Colombia. Now he is trying to hold on to the spine of a team that is finally starting to take shape.

A derby with no Messi or Neymar? Unusual, but maybe it will come as a relief

It's the first time in 20 years that Brazil and Argentina will play each other without at least one of those two stars on the pitch. The last time was all the way back in 2004. Since then, it's been one or both, always the center of attention, the narrative, the spark. Not this time. And maybe, just maybe, that makes the game more unpredictable. Out goes the battle of icons, in comes the clash of squads. Magic gives way to grit. The rivalry? Very much alive. And without Messi or Neymar, others wait, and are ready, to step into the limelight.

The past beckons, and Brazil is trying to flip the script

Brazil have not won away against Argentina in World Cup qualifiers since 2009. That one was 3–1, courtesy of goals from Luisão and a brace by Luís Fabiano. And since then? Two draws. In 2015, it was 1–1. In 2021, a goalless draw. And in 2023, in the first round of qualifiers, Brazil lost 1–0 at the Maracanã. That loss was under interim manager Fernando Diniz, in a very different era than the current one.

Here's the stat that lingers: Brazil has not won in Argentina in qualifiers in 16 years. And this match? It's not just about breaking that streak. There's a lot on the line in the standings, too. That win over Colombia launched Brazil into third, with 21 points. A win in Buenos Aires would be enormous, not just symbolically, but mathematically. A tie wouldn't be awful. But a loss could ignite questions anew around Dorival's process.