Argentina vs. Brazil: World Cup qualifier, TV, broadcast, lineups, betting odds

Securing a place for the World Cup is an achievement in itself for most countries. But if you are Argentina and you can do it against your archrival Brazil, it makes the occasion very special.

That is what Albiceleste has in front of when they host an undefeated Brazilian who has won 11 of 12 matches and tied the other. Brazil leads the South American World Cup standings (34 points) and has already secured a spot for the Qatar World Cup 2022.

Undefeated Argentina (8-0-4) can potentially do the same if can give Brazil their first defeat and other results on Matchday 14 are on their way:

• Colombia does not win against Paraguay
• OR Uruguay and Chile do not win their respective matches

Argentina was the last team to beat Brazil in the 2021 Copa América final in July, allowing captain and superstar Lionel Messi to win his first trophy with the senior team.

The teams then took to the field in September for what was supposed to be their first qualifying showdown, but Brazilian health officials and federal police halted the match after five minutes citing COVID-19 quarantine protocols as the party was suspended in a scandal.

News is expected at any time on how the suspension of the match will be resolved. But Argentina knows that if it can beat Brazil, it can get closer to three points in the standings. And while there’s no prize for finishing first on the leaderboard, it’s all about bragging rights and a good jump in the FIFA world rankings.

Messi is confirmed to play in the match, as Argentina looks to extend its 26-match unbeaten streak in all matches. (The last team to beat Albiceleste was Brazil in the 2019 Copa América semifinals). Both teams are coming off narrow 1-0 qualifying victories last week, but Brazil will be without superstar Neymar, who suffered a thigh injury that would force him to miss the heads-up battle with his PSG teammate Messi.

How to watch Argentina vs. Brazil

• Date: Tuesday, November 16
• Weather: 6:30 pm ET
• TV: –
• Spanish television: –
• Transmission: fuboTV

The qualifier for Argentina vs. Brazil World Cup at the San Juan Bicentennial Stadium is now available exclusively through fuboTV, which is the only live match station for the South American World Cup qualifying.

MORE: Neymar ruled out of qualifier vs. Argentina

In addition to the matches involving Argentina and Brazil, all the South American qualifying matches are carried by fuboTV, including on-demand replays.

Argentina will host the match at the San Juan Bicentennial Stadium, where it won all six games it played there. A crowd of 25,000 is expected.

Argentina vs. Brazil: lineups

With head coach Lionel Scaloni confirming that Messi will play, the only real question was whether Messi’s PSG teammate Leandro Paredes would also return from injury.

It starts instead of the center that supports the medium Guido Rodríguez. Outside of Messi and Paredes, the rest of the lineup is the same as that of Friday’s victory in Uruguay.

Sevilla midfielder Papu Gómez is out after sustaining a knee injury in his cameo against Uruguay. Neither in the call is Paulo Dybala, who was carrying a blow when entering that Uruguayan match and left at halftime.

Argentina starting eleven (4-3-3, from left to right): 23-Emiliano Martinez-GK – 8-Marcos Acuña, 19-Nicolás Otamendi, 13-Cristian Romero, 21-Nahuel Molina – 20-Giovani Lo Celso, 5-Leandro Paredes, 7-Rodrigo De Paul – 10-Lionel Messi (capt .), 22-Lautaro Martínez, 11-Angel Di Maria

Argentina substitutes (12): 1-Franco Armani-GK, 12-Juan Musso-GK, 4-Gonzalo Montiel, 3-Nicolas Tagliafico, 6-German Pezzella, 2-Lisandro Martinez, 18-Guido Rodriguez, 17-Nicolas Dominguez, 14-Exequiel Palacios, 15 -Julian Alvarez, 16-Joaquin Correa, 9-Angel Correa

Vinicius Jr. replaces the injured Neymar in the lineup. Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro is suspended with Liverpool’s Fabinho in his place.

Brazil starting lineup (4-2-3-1, left to right): Alisson-GK – Alex Sandro, Eder Militao, Marquinhos, Danilo – Fred, Fabinho – Vinicius Junior, Lucas Paqueta, Raphinha – Matheus Cunha

Subcontractors from Brazil (10): Ederson-GK, Gabriel Chapeco-GK, Thiago Silva, Emerson Royal, Gabriel, Renan Lodi, Edenilson, Philippe Coutinho, Antony, Gabriel Jesus

Argentina vs. Brazil: betting odds and prediction

These are the two best defensive teams in South America by a wide margin, and it is not surprising given that each team has a real identity and a solid organizational structure under its respective head coach.

For example, this Brazilian team heading to San Juan will not be interested in owning the ball and will keep Argentina in front, looking to take advantage of turnovers.

Argentina also displayed an ability to bend but not break against Uruguay in a 1-0 victory on Friday. Goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez has been in inspired form for his team, and it doesn’t hurt that his team enjoyed good luck at times when they couldn’t save the day.

MORE: Could Cristiano Ronaldo miss the World Cup?

The Asian total of two goals in the match will refund your bet if the match falls on that number. And if it does, it’s probably because both teams scored only one goal, and not because one of them allowed two.

Of the 24 combined qualifying matches played by the two teams so far, the rival has scored two goals on just two occasions. This should be a low-scoring matter.

Choose: Under 2 total Asian goals (-130)

Prediction: Argentina 0, Brazil 0

• Money line: Argentina +135 / Draw +195 / Brazil +260
• Spread: Argentina -0.5 (+125) / Brazil +0.5 (-160)
• O / U 2.5 total goals: Over +180 / Under -225
• Both teams will score: Yes +120 / No -155