Argentina hand Brazil third straight loss after crowd violence delay in Rio

Trouble erupts in stands during national anthems at Maracanã.

UGLY SCENES: Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi celebrates their victory at the end of the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualification football match between Brazil and Argentina at Maracana Stadium. Pic: DANIEL RAMALHO/AFP via Getty Images

Nicolás Otamendi scored with a towering header to give Argentina a 1-0 away win over Brazil in a bad-tempered World Cup qualifier that was delayed by half an hour on Tuesday after police clashed with fans at a sold-out Maracanã Stadium.

The rivalry between two of the most successful teams in world football spilled over into violence after Brazilian police charged Argentina fans in response to fighting in the stands during the national anthems.