Brazil vs Argentina prediction, odds, betting tips and best bets for CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying
The fiercest national rivalry in South America returns in midweek as Brazil host old foes Argentina in the CONMEBOL section of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
Unusually, both sides enter this matchup after losing their latest outings on Friday as Brazil suffered a 2-1 defeat on the road in Colombia and Argentina lost 2-0 to Uruguay, who are led by fellow countryman Marcelo Bielsa.
That loss was particularly painful for Brazil, who now enter this matchday in fifth place in the CONMEBOL standings, winning just two of their opening five qualifying outings and losing both of their prior two. They will also be without attacking stars Neymar and Vinicius Jr. for this game due to injury.
BET ON BRAZIL VS ARGENTINA HERE WITH DRAFTKINGS (USA)
As for Argentina, despite that setback against Uruguay, the visitors enter here sitting pretty at the top of the qualifying table after five matches. They’ve won four of those games and will look to put their old rivals to the sword here to extend that lead at the top. The Sporting News previews the game below.
Brazil vs Argentina match facts
- Date: Tuesday, November 21, 2023
- Kickoff time: 9:30 p.m. local (7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT)
- Location: Maracana (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
- Last meeting: Argentina 0-0 Brazil (Nov. 16, 2021 | CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying)
Brazil vs Argentina, odds
- Moneyline lean: Draw (+210)
- Score prediction: Brazil 1-1 Argentina
BRA win |
Draw | ARG win |
Both teams to score Y / N |
Over / Under 2.5 goals |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|
DraftKings (USA) |
+160 |
+210 |
+195 | +110 / -135 | +160 / -200 |
Brazil vs Argentina best bet
- Pick: Both teams to score — YES
- Odds: +110 (DraftKings)
Even though the previous seven international matches between Brazil and Argentina have failed to see both teams score, we’re expecting that to change here as both sides look to bounce back from losses last time out.
Let’s start with the hosts, who have now failed to score in just one of their prior 10 outings across all competitions, although the loss of Vinicius Jr comes as a big blow here. Instead, they could look to Gabriel Martinelli to provide the goals as he netted his first for his nation during this international break.
Brazil have have failed to score in each of their past three meetings with Argentina, but as the visitors suffered their own loss last time out, their confidence could be a bit fragile here.
That 2-0 defeat to Uruguay ended Argentina’s impressive run of eight clean sheets in succession, whilst at the other end, they scored 20 times during that streak. Admittedly, some of the opposition during that run were lower-ranked sides, including Curacao and Indonesia, but their form in front of goal should see them get on the scoresheet again here.
At +110 with DraftKings, backing both teams to score here offers some good value considering the attacking lineups that both nations possess.
Brazil vs Argentina prop bet
Looking back over recent meetings between these two rivals, there’s one thing that has been unmissable and that’s the amount of cards that referees have shown throughout.
In fact, each of the past four head-to-head fixtures have produced at least seven total yellow cards, and backing a similar bet this time around could be the play, especially as both teams try desperately to regain form.
On top of that, during this qualification cycle, Brazil have already picked up 12 yellow cards through five matches, which highlights them as a side who perhaps push the aggression a little too far sometimes.
Brazil vs Argentina flier bet
- Pick: Lautaro Martinez to score first
- Odds: +650 (DraftKings)
Although there’ll be plenty of quality on show in this match between two of international football’s best sides, we’re giving Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez the nod in terms of opening the scoring.
The 26-year-old has been in sensational form for club side Inter Milan this season, bagging 12 goals in 12 Serie A matches and adding another two strikes across four Champions League outings to boot. Additionally, on three occasions, he’s got on the scoresheet first this campaign, which gives him a good chance of completing the same feat here.
Admittedly, Martinez has struggled for output for Argentina of late. In fact, he’s failed to score across his prior 13 caps since the start of the 2022 World Cup, but at +650 to score first and with his fantastic club form, we’re backing him to break his goalless streak in Rio.