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

Brazil and Egypt take on each other at midnight (Italian time) in Cleveland in the last friendly before the 2026 World Cup kicks off in Canada, the United States and Mexico. Both teams are fine-tuning the last details ahead of the upcoming World Cup; Carlo Ancelotti wants important answers from some of the team’s key men. The Greenoros convinced with a goleada in their last outing against Panama, but they also showed some defensive permeability that needs to be buffered somehow.

Egypt, in their fourth World Cup qualifier after a triumphant run of eight wins in 10 matches, come from a series of positive results in friendlies and a prestigious 0-0 at Spain in March. The North African team arrives in North America with high ambitions, and wants to confirm its certainties in the friendly against Seleçao.

Ancelotti will have to do without Neymar, who is injured: there are long-term concerns for the star, who could miss the debut against Morocco. In defense, starting center-backs Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhaes, back from the Champions League final, will be seen again. In midfield Casemiro is paired with Guimares, and in attack Thiago Silva will be supported by trequartisti Raphinha, Paqueta and Vinicius Jr.

There is Salah in Egypt’s squad, the team’s star should start from the first minute. Also with him in the Pharaohs’ attack are Ashour, Trezeguet and Marmoush, while the two midfielders will be Lasheen and Ateya.

Brazil-Egypt, the probable lineups
Brazil (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Wesley, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Sandro; Casemiro, Guimaraes; Raphinha, Paqueta, Vinicius Jr; Thiago.
Egypt (4-2-3-1): El Shenawy; Hany, Fathy, Ibrahim, Fotouh; Lasheen, Ateya; Salah, Ashour, Trezeguet; Marmoush.