The FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying match between Brazil and Argentina was delayed by thirty minutes because of fighting between the opposing fan bases at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana Stadium. Kickoff of the highly anticipated blockbuster between the two South American football titans was scheduled for 6 AM (IST), but it was postponed owing to disruptions in the fans.
As the players from Brazil and Argentina lined up to chant their respective national anthems, the cameras paned up to the stands, where a segment of the fan bases could be seen fighting. The unsettling images seemed to take the football players on the pitch startled.
As police stepped in to calm the mob disturbance and used a lathi charge, the scenes became more gruesome. At the far end of the pitch, Argentina supporters could be seen being beaten back by local police using batons. Clearly, this did not sit well with the Argentina team led by Lionel Messi.
Before choosing to leave the ground with his teammates, Messi was gesturing towards the altercation and speaking with the match officials. Shortly after, the Argentina players returned to the field, and the game began. Many Argentinians think that a little over two years ago at Maracana Stadium. It was at that time their nation’s quest for its most recent World Cup crown officially began.
Argentina stun Brazil in tense clash at the Maracana
Through a header by Benfica’s Otamendi in the sixty-third minute, marked Brazil’s third consecutive loss. This left the hosts lagging behind the other top teams in the CONMEBOL group.
The pre-match events resulted in a tense and harsh first half despite little football played, making the game as a battle quickly forgettable. In the second half-hour, Brazil was controlling the game and things were seemingly well for the men in yellow.
However, Argentina pulled off a stunning comeback to make the Maracanã go quiet. This marks Brazil’s first home World Cup qualifier defeat in this qualification round. Also, it is their first home defeat in a World Cup qualifier ever in their history.
Fans react as ugly scenes unfold during Brazil-Argentina World Cup Qualifier: –
????? Crazy scenes in the stands at Maracanã between Brazilian police and Argentina fans.
Full footage by @_igorrodrigues ? pic.twitter.com/lF4uzyI8A9
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 22, 2023
And this guy got the audacity to snaps with smiles amid this crazy scenes ?? pic.twitter.com/2x5VKLlS7o
— BARNOMA (@AliyuBarnoma) November 22, 2023
One of the coldest photos of 2023 ? pic.twitter.com/rn5qzKr3v9
— ? ³ (@CulePique3) November 22, 2023
This is unacceptable, he collected the baton from the Brazilian police to hit the Argentine fanpic.twitter.com/kDnUicqTPJ
— Hustin (@A_Tooshi_) November 22, 2023
South American teams when it comes to fighting pic.twitter.com/qkLKY7Dj47
— ? ³ (@CulePique3) November 22, 2023
WWE On & Off the pitch
Argentina vs Brazil
During the first half only, Brazil committed 16 fouls. pic.twitter.com/SmhCmZIm0v— Football Sports (@Football81216) November 22, 2023
Argentinian fans are the reason pic.twitter.com/Oj4idXOKvQ
— Nufc Joe (@NUFCJoey) November 22, 2023
Our prayers and thoughts be with him??? pic.twitter.com/OpnTKTQcU2
— halfcast (@half_castFCB) November 22, 2023
Such a sad scene to see. Two of the greatest footballing nations and their fans sparring each other including the cops. Very very sad. pic.twitter.com/bixFckAGKS
— Jack_inquisitiveSpectator (@bakisjack) November 22, 2023
That's intense, what set this off?
— Joe (@SigmaTweeter) November 22, 2023
