Vinícius and Martínez Return for South American 2026 World Cup Qualifying
Brazil and Argentina Strengthen Squads for Crucial Matches
Vinícius Júnior Returns to Brazil Squad
Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior has been recalled to the Brazil squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The 22-year-old winger has been in impressive form for his club this season, scoring 10 goals in 22 appearances. He will be hoping to continue his good form for his country, having scored 2 goals in 7 appearances for Brazil to date.Vinícius's return is a major boost for Brazil, who will be looking to qualify for the World Cup in style. The Selecao are currently top of the CONMEBOL standings, with 4 wins and 1 draw from their first 5 matches. They will be confident of continuing their good form and securing their place in the tournament.
Lautaro Martínez Recalled to Argentina Squad
Inter Milan's Lautaro Martínez has also been recalled to the Argentina squad for the upcoming qualifiers. The 24-year-old striker has been in good form for his club this season, scoring 9 goals in 20 appearances. He will be hoping to continue his good form for his country, having scored 21 goals in 41 appearances for Argentina to date.Martínez's return is a major boost for Argentina, who will be looking to qualify for the World Cup in style. The Albiceleste are currently second in the CONMEBOL standings, with 3 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat from their first 5 matches. They will be confident of continuing their good form and securing their place in the tournament.
Other Notable Call-Ups
In addition to Vinícius and Martínez, there are a number of other notable call-ups to the Brazil and Argentina squads.- Brazil: Alisson, Ederson, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Casemiro, Fabinho, Fred, Paquetá, Neymar, Richarlison, Raphinha
- Argentina: Emiliano Martínez, Franco Armani, Germán Pezzella, Nicolás Otamendi, Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Guido Rodríguez, Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María, Julián Álvarez, Paulo Dybala
These players will all be hoping to help their countries qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The qualifiers will be played over a two-year period, with the top four teams from each group qualifying for the tournament. The fifth-placed team from each group will advance to an inter-confederation play-off.
