South America\u2019s biggest football rivalry takes center stage once again as Argentina host Brazil in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night. With both teams poised to secure their spots in next summer\u2019s tournament, this clash presents an intriguing battle even in the absence of two legendary figures\u2014Lionel Messi and Neymar.<\/p>\n
While the footballing world is accustomed to seeing these two superstars dominate the stage, this encounter offers a chance for emerging talents to take the spotlight. So, who could step up for Argentina and Brazil in this high-stakes match?<\/p>\n
Without Messi, Argentina will look to their rising stars and established players to carry the team forward. The attacking force will likely rely on Julian Alvarez, who has been in sensational form for Manchester City. Supporting him in attack will be Thiago Almada and Enzo Fernandez, both of whom bring creativity and pace to the midfield.<\/p>\n
In the heart of midfield, Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister will provide the necessary balance, combining defensive solidity with attacking prowess. Defensively, the experience of Nicolas Otamendi and Cristian Romero will be crucial in keeping Brazil\u2019s attack at bay.<\/p>\n
Argentina Predicted Lineup vs Brazil (4-2-3-1):<\/strong> Brazil, too, will be missing Neymar, but the Selecao boast a wealth of attacking options. Vinicius Jr. is set to be the focal point of Brazil\u2019s attack, with his explosive pace and dribbling ability posing a significant threat to Argentina\u2019s defense. Rodrygo and Raphinha will add width and flair to Brazil\u2019s attacking game, ensuring they remain dangerous in the final third.<\/p>\n In midfield, Joelinton and Andre will be key in breaking up play and transitioning from defense to attack. At the back, Marquinhos\u2019 leadership and defensive acumen will be crucial in keeping Argentina\u2019s attack in check.<\/p>\n Brazil Predicted Lineup vs Argentina (4-2-3-1):<\/strong> South America\u2019s biggest football rivalry takes center stage once again as Argentina host Brazil in a crucial 2026 World Cup\u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":217,"featured_media":36473,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[660,55],"class_list":["post-15085","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-football","tag-argentina","tag-brazil"],"reading_time":"2 min read","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.businessupturn.com\/sports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15085","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.businessupturn.com\/sports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.businessupturn.com\/sports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.businessupturn.com\/sports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/217"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.businessupturn.com\/sports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15085"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.businessupturn.com\/sports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15085\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.businessupturn.com\/sports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/36473"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.businessupturn.com\/sports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15085"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.businessupturn.com\/sports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15085"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.businessupturn.com\/sports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15085"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\nGoalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez
\nDefenders: Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico
\nMidfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister
\nForwards: Giovanni Simeone, Enzo Fernandez, Thiago Almada; Julian Alvarez<\/p>\nBrazil\u2019s Strengths and Key Players<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nGoalkeeper: Bento
\nDefenders: Vanderson, Marquinhos, Piero Hincapi\u00e9, Guilherme Arana
\nMidfielders: Joelinton, Andre
\nForwards: Rodrygo, Raphinha, Vinicius Jr.; Pedro<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"