Defending champion Argentina secured a berth in next year's FIFA World Cup by cruising to a 4-1 home victory over arch-rival Brazil on Tuesday.

Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister scored first-half goals before Giuliano Simeone added a fourth as the Albiceleste booked its place in football's showpiece tournament with four qualifiers to spare.

Nicolas Tagliafico of Argentina vies with Wesley (L) of Brazil during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Argentina and Brazil in Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina, on March 25, 2025. (Photo by Martin Zabala/Xinhua)

"We have to value this win because it's not easy to do," Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul said after the match.

"There are still several games to be played and we have already qualified. But we always play the same way when we wear this shirt because of everything that it represents to our people. That's our greatest motivation."

Atletico Madrid striker Alvarez gave the hosts the lead in the fourth minute when he ran onto Thiago Almada's defense-splitting pass before stroking the ball past goalkeeper Bento.

Chelsea midfielder Fernandez doubled the advantage eight minutes later by meeting Nahuel Molina's deflected cross with a first-time finish at the far post.

Brazil reduced the deficit against the run of play after Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero was dispossessed by Matheus Cunha while casually strolling out of defense.

The Wolverhampton playmaker then surged forward before sending a 20-yard drive into the bottom left corner.

But Argentina was irrepressible and Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister netted his team's third goal by volleying home after Fernandez's sublime lofted pass.

Giuliano Simeone, a 68th-minute substitute for Almada, completed the rout by sprinting to meet Nicolas Tagliafico's cross at the far post before drilling a first-time effort from a tight angle past Bento.

The result leaves group leader Argentina with 31 points from 14 qualifiers, eight points ahead of second-placed Ecuador. Brazil is fourth in the 10-team South American zone standings with 21 points.

In other qualifiers on Tuesday, Paraguay drew 2-2 away to Colombia, Venezuela won 1-0 at home to Peru, Chile was held to a goalless home draw by Ecuador and Uruguay drew 0-0 away to Bolivia. 

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