Argentina and Brazil on the Road to the World Cup: How Many Matches Remain

With the opening whistle of the 2026 FIFA World Cup drawing ever closer, two of the tournament’s most formidable contenders—defending champions Argentina and five-time winners Brazil—are entering the decisive phase of their preparations. Squad selection, tactical fine-tuning and match sharpness are now the priority, and both South American giants will use the March international window to test themselves against elite opposition before naming their final World Cup squads.

For Argentina, the road to the World Cup still offers the chance to add another prestigious trophy to an already glittering cabinet. On 27 March, Lionel Scaloni’s side will face European champions Spain in the eagerly anticipated Finalissima at Lusail Stadium in Qatar. The venue holds deep emotional significance for the Albiceleste: it was here in 2022 that Lionel Messi lifted the World Cup, cementing his legacy. Returning to the same ground, Argentina will aim not only to secure silverware but also to measure themselves against one of Europe’s strongest teams in a high-intensity, competitive setting.

No sooner will the Finalissima conclude than Argentina will return to action for a further international friendly. On 31 March, they are scheduled to play hosts Qatar, with the Qatar Football Association confirming the fixture, although the precise venue and kick-off time are yet to be finalised. This match is widely seen as Argentina’s final full-scale rehearsal before embarking on their title defence, offering Scaloni a last opportunity to assess squad depth, combinations and fitness.

Brazil, meanwhile, are leaving nothing to chance under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti. The Seleção will contest two high-profile fixtures during the same international break, after which their official World Cup squad is expected to be announced. According to the Brazilian Football Confederation, both matches will take place in the United States, providing a global stage befitting Brazil’s ambitions.

On 26 March, Brazil will meet France at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough in what promises to be a classic encounter between recent World Cup winners and finalists. The match will kick off at 2:00am Bangladesh time. Five days later, on 1 April, Brazil will face Croatia in Orlando, with kick-off scheduled for 6:00am Bangladesh time. These fixtures will not only test Brazil’s tactical balance but also expose the squad to opponents known for their discipline and big-match pedigree.

Adding to the spectacle, Brazil will unveil their new World Cup kits during these matches. They will wear the iconic yellow strip against France, while a blue kit will be used against Croatia. Notably, Brazil, France and Croatia all share the same kit sponsor, meaning all three nations will debut new designs during this window.

When the World Cup begins on 11 June, Brazil will compete in Group C alongside Morocco, Haiti and Scotland. Argentina, meanwhile, will face Algeria, Austria and Jordan in their group, opening their campaign on 16 June against Algeria in Kansas City.

Pre-World Cup Fixtures Overview

Taken together, these fixtures represent the final proving ground for two of world football’s most storied nations, offering crucial insights into form, selection and ambition ahead of the sport’s biggest stage.