Pre-World Cup 2026 friendlies: Brazil-Panama, likely lineups

The World Cup is getting closer and Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti is looking for answers from his Seleçao: the test match against Panama is scheduled at the Maracanã at 11:30 p.m. (Italian time) on Sunday, May 31. In Rio de Janeiro, the Greenoro will be carefully evaluated by the coach from Reggiolo, who is concerned about the several absences he has to cope with. The Brazilian national team finished fifth in the qualifying round and is looking for certainty ahead of the now imminent World Cup.

Brazil’s opponent is Panama, which qualified in recent months for the World Cup for the second time in its history under the leadership of Thomas Christiansen. The Central American team, placed in Group L with Ghana, Croatia and England, has never won against Brazil in its previous five matches. Currently ranked 33rd in the FIFA rankings, it is not to be underestimated: in the last year it has had prestigious victories against the United States and South Africa.

Ancelotti must do without the Brazilians engaged in Saturday’s Champions League final, Marquinhos, Martinelli and Gabriel, and will initially bet on a trident composed of Vinicius-Cunha-Raphina. In midfield Casemiro along with Guimaraes and Danilo.

Panama with Fajardo, Diaz and Quintero points of reference in attack, in midfield there are Murillo, Harvey, Barcenas. The full-backs will be Blackman and Cordoba.

Brazil-Panama, the probable lineups
Brazil (4-3-3): Alisson; Danilo, Bremer, Pereira, Sandro; Casemiro, Guimaraes, Danilo; Vinicius Jr, Cunha, Raphinha.
Panama (4-3-3): Mosquera; Blackman, Miller, Escobar, Cordoba; Murillo, Harvey, Barcenas; Fajardo, Diaz, Quintero.