Points deduction for Brazil? 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in jeopardy as FIFA open investigation into Maracana chaos condemned by Argentina captain Lionel Messi

The Selecao faced old adversaries at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday. They slipped to a 1-0 reversal, in a game which saw Newcastle midfielder Joelinton sent off, but it was events in the stands which dominated the post-match headlines.

A mass brawl broke out between rival supporters ahead of the game, with local police forces stepping in, and Lionel Messi led his side off the pitch before a ball was kicked – leading to the match being delayed by 30 minutes. Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez also took matters into his own hands as he leapt towards the crowd and slapped a baton from the hand of one of the officers considered to be acting with excessive force.

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi said afterwards of the unfortunate episode: “We saw how [police] were hitting the people, it already happened in the Libertadores final. They were more focused on that than on the game. We went to the locker room because it was the best way to calm everything down, a tragedy could have happened.”

According to Globo, Brazil could now face punishment. Article 17 of the FIFA disciplinary code states that “hosts clubs and associations are responsible for order and security before, during and after matches”, while adding that hosts are “liable for incidents of any kind”. There is no set procedure when it comes to sanctions, but an investigation is underway. It is possible that fines could be handed out, matches could be ordered to be played behind closed doors or, ultimately, a points penalty may be put in place.

Brazil cannot afford to part with any of the points that they have picked up en route to the 2026 World Cup, as they only have seven to their name from six games. They sit sixth in the CONMEBOL qualification table as a result – with the likes of Neymar and Vinicius Junior missing crucial contests due to injury – and face a battle to book their tickets to another FIFA showpiece that will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.