Brazil were humiliated 4-1 by bitter rivals Argentina in South American World Cup qualifiers as the pressure mounted on manager Dorival Júnior after his side were comprehensively outplayed and fortunate not to lose by more.
After edging Colombia 2-1 at home on Thursday, Brazil came crashing back to earth against the world champions, who started the rout with a close-range strike by Julián Alvarez four minutes after kick-off.
Even without the injured Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martínez, Argentina were streets ahead of their rivals and they did not have to wait long to extend their lead.
Enzo Fernández made it 2-0 with a strike from inside the box in the 12th minute but Brazil pulled one back when a mistake by Argentina defender Cristian Romero gifted Matheus Cunha a goal in the 26th minute.
Argentina restored their two-goal lead through Alexis Mac Allister in the 37th minute, firing home from a Fernández cross.
Argentina squandered several chances to extend their lead further before substitute Giuliano Simeone wrapped up the scoring with a close-range strike in the 71st minute.
Vinícius Júnior argues with Colombian referee Andres Rojas. Photograph: Luis Robayo/AFP/Getty Images
A 0-0 draw between Uruguay and Bolivia earlier on Tuesday had sealed Argentina’s spot at the 2026 World Cup as they became the first South American team to qualify for the tournament in North America.
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They top the standings with 31 points from 14 matches, 17 points clear of seventh-placed Bolivia, who currently hold the spot for the international playoffs. Brazil are fourth on 21 points.
