With the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico drawing closer, Brazil are going back to the drawing board

Matheus Cunha got Brazil back in the game after dispossessing Cristian Romero in his own half. The Wolves forward then fired a shot from distance that beat Emiliano Martínez. Argentina soon retook control of the game, though, when Alexis Mac Allister sent a volley into the back of the net just before halftime.

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 have sacked manager Dorival Junior after losing 4-1 to arch-rivals Argentina in World Cup qualifying. They sit fourth in the South American group, having lost five of 14 games, although are still well placed to qualify for the 2026 finals.