Brazil's national team faces Croatia on Tuesday (31) in Orlando, USA, in the last friendly before the 2026 World Cup final squad announcement. The match comes amid several injuries, forcing lineup changes under coach Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian said he has a clear idea of the starting XI despite the setbacks.
The match against Croatia, set for 9pm Brasília time at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, acts as the final test for Ancelotti to shape the World Cup squad. The final call-up is scheduled for May 18. The teams meet again since the 2022 World Cup quarterfinals, where Croatia eliminated Brazil on penalties.
Injuries have plagued preparations. Before the friendly against France on Thursday (26), Alisson, Alex Sandro, and Gabriel Magalhães were cut. After the 2-1 loss, Raphinha and Wesley departed. Rodrygo from Real Madrid is out for the season with a torn meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament. Ancelotti called up Ibañez and Luiz Henrique as replacements.
There will be five changes from the France game: Marquinhos returns to defense after being rested for hip pain; Danilo replaces Andrey Santos in midfield; João Pedro comes in for Gabriel Martinelli, with Vinicius Junior on the left wing. The predicted lineup is: Bento; Ibañez, Marquinhos, Léo Pereira, and Douglas Santos; Casemiro and Danilo; Luiz Henrique, Matheus Cunha, João Pedro, and Vinicius Junior.
"The goal of the games against France and Croatia was to test the starting team. The starting team is not [available] due to many injuries," Ancelotti said on Monday (30). He stressed optimism: "We need calm and tranquility because the entire staff and CBF are convinced we are on the right path."
Ronaldo Fenômeno and Rivaldo, 2002 World Cup winners, watched Monday's training at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Florida. Images of their disapproving expressions went viral on social media.
