Japan became the first national team to qualify through the World Cup qualifiers, with New Zealand and Argentina also clinching

After Bolivia’s 0-0 draw with Uruguay at El Alto, Argentina beat Brazil 4-1 in front of 85,000 fans at the Monumental de Nunez Stadium despite the absence of Lionel Messi. Brazil’s worst deficit in South American World Cup qualifying history compounded pressure on coach Dorival Júnior, who took over in January of last year.