After crowd violence in Rio de Janeiro delayed, Argentina defeats Brazil for the third time in a row.

Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 on the road in a World Cup qualifying match that was postponed for thirty minutes because of altercations between police and spectators at the Maracana Stadium.

Following brawls between Argentine fans during national anthems, Brazilian police charged the supporters, intensifying the rivalry between the two most successful teams in world football. Stretchers were used to remove at least one injured spectator from the stadium.

The world champions, led by Lionel Messi, attempted to defuse the situation before heading off the field and spending more than ten minutes in the dressing room. Argentina, who were hoping to salvage their campaign after losing consecutive qualifiers for the first time, was cheered on by boisterous local supporters as the match got underway. Rather, they lost for the third time in a row, their first-ever World Cup qualifying loss at home, and dropped to sixth place in the standings, eight points behind leaders Argentina and in the final spot that ensures a trip to the finals in 2026.

Arguably the superior team, Brazil nearly scored from a corner shortly before the interval when Gabriel Martinelli’s effort was blocked by goalkeeper Christian Romero. Brazil maintained their pressure even though they were missing important players like Vinicius Jr. and Neymar because of injuries and lost captain Marquinhos to a leg problem midway through the match.

Argentina managed to hold on and capitalise on one of their few opportunities in the 63rd minute, when defender Otamendi headed in a corner from Giovani Lo Celso. Joelinton, a replacement midfielder, was sent off in the 82nd minute for striking Rodrigo de Paul in the face, adding to Brazil’s misery.

Arcadia leads the standings with 15 points, followed by Brazil in sixth place, eight points behind, and the final spot that ensures a spot in the 2026 finals.