Hello! International men`s football action concluded dramatically on Tuesday with Argentina`s impressive win against Brazil, while the US Women`s National Team is preparing for their upcoming international matches with a newly announced roster. I`m Pardeep Cattry, bringing you the latest updates.
Key Football Highlights
Argentina`s Stunning Victory Over Brazil
Despite playing without Lionel Messi, Argentina, the current world champions, delivered a dominant 4-1 victory over Brazil on Tuesday, simultaneously securing their qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez put Argentina ahead 2-0 within the first 12 minutes. Although Matheus Cunha narrowed the gap with a goal in the 26th minute, further goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Giuliano Simeone ensured a comfortable win for the home side.
Argentina finishes this international break with an eight-point lead over second-placed Ecuador, qualifying for the World Cup with five games remaining. This highlights the success of their qualifying campaign. While Messi is the top scorer in CONMEBOL qualifying with six goals, coach Lionel Scaloni has successfully tested the team`s strength without the 37-year-old star. Tuesday`s victory exemplified these efforts, demonstrating Argentina`s depth, especially considering Lautaro Martinez`s absence due to injury. Each of Argentina`s four goals was scored by a different player, showcasing a true team performance. Though some goals resulted from Brazilian defensive errors, these were partly created by Argentina`s fluid passing game, even involving left-back Nicolas Tagliafico in an assist.
Brazil, on the other hand, ends the month in fourth place, within the automatic qualification spots for the 2026 World Cup. They hold a six-point advantage over seventh-placed Venezuela and seven over eighth-placed Bolivia, making their qualification still likely. However, their performance raises questions about their competitiveness in the upcoming tournament. Despite a strong attacking lineup including Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Raphinha, Brazil managed only three shots against Argentina, with Cunha`s goal being their sole shot on target.
Argentina is among the first non-host nations to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, joining Japan, New Zealand, and Iran. Currently, 41 spots are still available in the expanded 48-team World Cup format.
Key Developments
Trinity Rodman Returns to USWNT
Trinity Rodman is set to rejoin the US Women`s National Team for the first time since the previous summer`s Olympic Games. She will participate in the upcoming friendlies against Brazil next month. Rodman is one of the more experienced players in a squad featuring many new faces, as head coach Emma Hayes continues to experiment and build towards the 2027 Women`s World Cup.
The full roster includes:
- Goalkeepers (3): Jane Campbell, Mandy McGlynn, Phallon Tullis-Joyce
- Defenders (8): Alana Cook, Tierna Davidson, Crystal Dunn, Emily Fox, Tara McKeown, Avery Patterson, Emily Sams, Emily Sonnett
- Midfielders (6): Korbin Albert, Sam Coffey, Lindsey Heaps, Claire Hutton, Jaedyn Shaw, Lily Yohannes
- Forwards (7): Michelle Cooper, Ashley Hatch, Catarina Macario, Trinity Rodman, Yazmeen Ryan, Ally Sentnor, Alyssa Thompson
Hayes will work with 11 players who have fewer than 10 international caps, including potential debutants Phallon Tullis-Joyce and Avery Patterson. Alana Cook and Ashley Hatch could also see their first game time under Hayes, reflecting the coach`s focus on expanding the player pool. This strategy includes collaboration with the U-23 USWNT, mirroring the Futures camp approach from January.
As Hayes evaluates new talent and tactics, the goalkeeper position remains a key area of focus following Alyssa Naeher`s retirement. Hayes aims to finalize her choice for the starting goalkeeper by June, emphasizing the importance for contenders to perform well both at club and national team levels to seize their opportunity.
Hayes: `Each of the goalkeepers that are competing for spots, listen, if you think about this prior to when even Alyssa [Naeher] made the number one her own, it takes a period of time to be able to solidify that. And I think it`s fair to say we`ve got a lot of really good quality goalkeepers. Who will emerge from that as the number one? Don`t know, but they have to take their chances when they get them. This is a performance-related business, and each and every opportunity they get, they have to make the most of it, because, of course, that will impact my decision-making as we progress and this camp, there will be changes in goal again.`
The USWNT will first play Brazil on April 5 at SoFi Stadium, followed by a second match on April 8 at PayPal Park in San Jose.
More Top Football News
- USWNT`s Experience Gap: Coach Emma Hayes is addressing the experience gap within the USWNT by establishing a leadership council and implementing unique training exercises.
- Boston Legacy FC: Boston`s new NWSL team is officially named Boston Legacy FC, changing from its initial BOS Nation FC announcement.
- Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid Rumors: Trent Alexander-Arnold is reportedly considering a move to Real Madrid when his Liverpool contract expires.
- Alphonso Davies Injury: Canada`s Alphonso Davies suffered an ACL tear, sidelining him for approximately six months.
- Barbra Banda Racist Incident: Orlando Pride`s Barbra Banda faced racist abuse during a match, prompting support from teams and the NWSL.
- USMNT Review: Recent USMNT performances have led to player stock adjustments, making the upcoming Gold Cup crucial for impressing before the 2026 World Cup.
- England`s Winning Streak: England secured another win under Thomas Tuchel, maintaining a perfect start to their World Cup qualifiers.
- Teams of the Week: Debhinha and Kelvin Yeboah were recognized in NWSL and MLS teams of the week, respectively.
- Juventus` Situation: An overview of the changes at Juventus, including the hiring of Igor Tudor after Thiago Motta`s departure.
- U.S. Open Cup on CBS Sports: CBS Sports will broadcast the U.S. Open Cup through 2026 across its platforms.
Betting Insights
Top Bets
- UEFA Women`s Champions League: Arsenal vs. Real Madrid, Wednesday, 4 p.m.
THE PICK: Under 3 goals scored (+115) – Arsenal faces pressure to overcome a 2-0 deficit against Real Madrid. A tight, low-scoring game is anticipated as Arsenal pushes to score and Real Madrid defends their lead. Betting on fewer than three goals offers a balanced prediction.
For further betting tips and expert predictions, visit CBSSports.com`s betting section.
