Brazil are keen to find their rhythm ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as they head to Orlando to take on Croatia in an international friendly on Wednesday.
The Selecao are coming from a 2-1 defeat to France, while Croatia beat Colombia by a similar score line last Friday. The pressure mounts on Carlo Ancelotti to spark some magic into the Brazil team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Croatia are now on the hunt for a fifth straight victory and also come into Wednesday’s friendly having scored at least twice in each of their last four games.
How to bet on cards and bookings
Despite Brazil being a better team on paper, this will not be an easy outing against Zlatko Dalic’s side. The five-time World Cup winners have managed only two wins from their last five matches.
They are also seeking revenge after losing to Croatia on penalties in the 2022 World Cup, knocking them out in the quarterfinals.
Will the Selecao manage to get one over their opponents here? We have a look at both teams ahead of the mouthwatering clash and offer our predicted outcome.
Team news
Brazil have new injury concerns ahead of the game after Raphinha was forced off against France with a hamstring issue. Wesley will also be absent, while Vinicius Junior is a doubt for the match.
This will give way for Chelsea forward Joao Pedro to start, with Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli earning a spot in the starting XI as well.
Marquinhos resumed training and will start in the back line, alongside Bremer. The rest of the team will remain unchanged.
Croatia are set to name their strongest possible XI with veterans Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic and Andrej Kramaric all retaining their spots in the starting lineup.
There are no new injury concerns for Dalic’s side and the rest will retain their spots from the win against Colombia.
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Head-to-head and current form
With only two wins from their last six matches, Brazil need to turn their fortunes around to gain some momentum ahead of the summer spectacle.
They take on a Croatia side in fine form, unbeaten in their last nine matches – winning all of their last four games.
The South American nation has won three of the last five matches played against Croatia, with the latter winning just once. Only one game has resulted in a stalemate – a 1-1 draw in 2005.
Current form:
Brazil – LDWLW
Croatia – WWWWD
Previous matches
Croatia 2-1 Brazil (December 9, 2022)
Brazil 2-0 Croatia (June 3, 2018)
Brazil 3-1 Croatia (June 12, 2014)
Brazil 1-0 Croatia (June 13, 2006)
Croatia 1-1 Brazil (August 17, 2005)
Prediction
Goals have predominantly featured in this encounter and with this being a friendly, we can expect more of the same. Both teams are tipped to at least get one goal in the game.
Croatia are on an exemplary run of form and this should be taken into consideration. They are likely to avoid defeat.
Prediction – Both teams to score
Photo: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
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