Linha Direta Ancelotti’s Familiar Faces Lead Brazil Against South Korea in Pre-World Cup Friendly
The Brazilian National Team Gears Up for Friendly Match Against South Korea in Seoul
Brazil Prepares for World Cup 2026 with Key Friendlies
On Friday, the Brazilian national football team will play its first friendly match post-South American qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The team is set to face South Korea in Seoul at 8 a.m. Brasília time. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti aims to establish a strong base of experienced players as Brazil navigates a challenging period marked by coaching changes and unfavorable results.
Ancelotti Leverages Real Madrid Alumni
Carlo Ancelotti, who took over as Brazil’s coach in May, plans to use this short stint to form a cohesive unit. He’ll rely on familiar faces from his Real Madrid days, leveraging their experience to build a solid foundation. Among the starting lineup against South Korea are former Real Madrid players Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Éder Militão, alongside Casemiro, who now plays for Manchester United.
Team Lineup and Key Absences
The Brazilian squad will have to compensate for the absence of usual starters like goalkeeper Alisson and defender Marquinhos, both sidelined due to injuries. Ancelotti is expected to field an offensive lineup featuring:
- Bento, Vitinho, Éder Militão, Gabriel Magalhães, Douglas Santos
- Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães (or Lucas Paquetá)
- Estêvão, Matheus Cunha, Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo
Focus on Team Attitude Over Strategy
During a pre-match press conference, Ancelotti highlighted the significance of team attitude over tactics, stressing that the collective effort could pave the way for a sixth World Cup victory. “While tactical strategy is important, the players’ attitude on the field holds greater weight, and that doesn’t require much preparation time,” he stated.
Excitement Builds Among South Korean Fans
The enthusiasm in Seoul is palpable, with all tickets for the 66,000-seat stadium already sold out. This venue, which hosted the 2002 FIFA World Cup opening match, remains a fond memory for Korean fans, despite Brazil not playing there in 2002. It will be Brazil’s fourth match against South Korea in this stadium, with their last encounter ending in a 5-1 victory for Brazil in 2022.
The young Brazilian forward, Estevão, currently with Chelsea, has captured local attention, becoming the most sought-after player for autographs and photos.
Upcoming Matches for Brazil
Before the World Cup kicks off on June 11, 2026, in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, Brazil is scheduled for seven more matches. This includes matches against South Korea and Japan, with plans to face two African teams in November, potentially in London and Paris. Further friendlies are slated for March next year, possibly against European teams in the United States. The final pre-World Cup match is set for June, post-final roster selection in May.
Is Brazil a World Cup Favorite?
Predicting Brazil’s status as a World Cup favorite is challenging. After the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Brazil trails behind teams like Argentina and France, noted for their consistent performances. Ancelotti enters his first World Cup with a year of leadership in Brazil, backed by his extensive coaching success. Nonetheless, football remains unpredictable, and with Ancelotti’s expertise, Brazil’s potential for victory cannot be dismissed.
