Holders Argentina qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026: Decoding stats
What's the story
Argentina have booked their berth in the 2026 FIFA World Cup main round.
They became the seventh nation to book their place at the event to be co-hosted by the USA, Mexico and Canada.
Lionel Scaloni's side qualified ahead of kick-off in their FIFA CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying match against Brazil by Bolivia's draw with Uruguay.
Argentina became the 4th nation after Iran, Japan and New Zealand to gain qualification following automatic berths for the three host nations.
Here's more.
Game recap
Argentina tame Brazil 4-1 after qualification gets confirmed
Argentina thrashed rivals Brazil in the crucial World Cup qualifying contest.
They took an early lead in the match, scoring two goals in the first 12 minutes through Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez.
Despite a brief comeback by Matheus Cunha for Brazil, Alexis Mac Allister restored Argentina's two-goal advantage before half-time.
The second half saw Argentina missing several opportunities to extend their lead until Giuliano Simeone secured a definitive victory with a goal in the 71st minute.
Standings
Decoding Argentina's position in the South American table
As it stands, Argentina lead the South American table with 31 points from 14 matches. They have won 10 matches (D1 L3). Argentina's goal difference reads +18. They have scored 26 goals and conceded 8.
Argentina kept nine clean sheets from their 14 qualifying matches.
Ecuador are next with 23 points with Uruguay, Brazil and Paraguay all on 21 points each.
Notably, the top six teams automatically qualify for next year's finals.
Colombia are placed 6th with 20 points collected.
Stats
Messi has been involved in nine goals
Lionel Messi, who missed the clash against Brazil, is the joint-top scorer in the ongoing qualifying campaign with six goals. He is tied with Colombia's Luis Diaz.
The likes of Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez and Nicolas Otamendi have all scored three goals each for Argentina.
Meanwhile, Messi and Enzo Fernandez lead Argentina's tally in terms of assists (3).
Apart from his three assists, Chelsea midfielder Fernandez also owns two goals.
Do you know?
Argentina complete the double over Brazil
Argentina also completed the double over Brazil in the 2026 CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers. Earlier on gameweek 6 back in November 2023, Argentina eked out a 1-0 win over Brazil away with Otamendi making the difference.