South American titans Brazil and Argentina lock horns in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier tonight.

With several players sitting out injured — we have put together a combined XI of available stars ahead of the clash at the Maracana.

Goalkeeper: Alisson (Brazil)

Ederson and Emiliano Martinez will both feel they deserve a starting spot but Alisson remains one of the world's best goalkeepers.

The 31-year-old has been in fine form once again for Liverpool this season and brings a wealth of experience and success to our combined XI.

Right-back: Nahuel Molina (Argentina)

Atletico Madrid defender Nahuel Molina was instrumental in Argentina's World Cup-winning campaign last year.

The talented right-back beats off competition from Emerson Royal and is a flexible option for Lionel Scaloni's side, often advancing into a midfield role.

Centre-back: Cristian Romero (Argentina)

Tottenham powerhouse Cristian Romero may be serving a suspension for his club but still provides great value for his country.

The improving 25-year-old gets the nod over team-mate Nicolas Otamendi who is enjoying his final years as a regular international.

Centre-back: Marquinhos (Brazil)

Brazil mainstay Marquinhos has 83 caps and remains a strong option for the Selecao.

Compatriot Gabriel Magalhaes misses out to the Paris Saint-Germain star who helped guide his country to Copa America glory in 2019.

Left-back: Marcos Acuna (Argentina)

Marcos Acuna completes an Argentina-dominated defence although there is a case to include Brazil's Renan Lodi instead.

Acuna, 32, is still searching for his first goal on the international stage but provided a crucial assist in the World Cup knockout stage win over the Netherlands last December.

Central midfield: Rodrigo De Paul (Argentina)

Atletico maestro Rodrigo De Paul earns a spot in a competitive midfield ahead of Enzo Fernandez and Douglas Luiz.

After enjoying a successful campaign in Qatar last year, the 59-cap international has continued to thrive at the top level, already providing two assists in LaLiga this term.

Central midfield: Bruno Guimaraes (Brazil)

Bruno Guimaraes has stepped into the spotlight since making his move to Newcastle last year and is now a regular starter for Brazil.

With 17 caps so far, the Rio de Janeiro native edges ahead of the injured Casemiro and Tottenham's Giovani Lo Celso to provide energy in the middle of the park.

Central midfield: Alexis Mac Allister (Argentina)

Alexis Mac Allister is the final addition to our midfield three and reprises a similar role to where he operates at Liverpool.

Mac Allister provided an important assist in the World Cup final a year ago and has been enhancing his technical abilities under Jurgen Klopp in a slightly deeper position.

Right wing: Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Fresh from winning his eighth Ballon d'Or, Lionel Messi is an obvious inclusion in our combined XI.

The Argentine magician tallied 32 goal contributions in as many Ligue 1 matches for PSG last term and has hit the ground running in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami.

Striker: Lautaro Martinez (Argentina)

Julian Alvarez is unlucky to miss out on a spot as striker but Lautaro Martinez has been on fire for Inter Milan who sit top of Serie A.

The Nerazzurri have a two-point cushion over Juventus and Martinez has bagged 12 league goals, five more than his closest competitor Olivier Giroud.

Left wing: Rodrygo (Brazil)

With Neymar and Vinicius Junior both suffering serious injuries recently, Real Madrid livewire Rodrygo seamlessly slots in on the left wing.

The 22-year-old usually operates on the opposite flank to team-mate Vinicius but is capable of having an impact across the front three, making him an obvious choice to round off our star-studded team.

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