For the first time since taking charge of the Brazil National Team in May 2025, coach Carlo Ancelotti is expected to repeat the same lineup in back-to-back matches.
In his first 15 games in charge, the Italian tested 15 different formations.
After the strong performance in the final group-stage match against Scotland, the coaching staff indicated they will keep the team structure unchanged.
Youngster Rayan remains in place of Raphinha, who is still recovering from a left thigh injury.
Brazil have not repeated a starting lineup for 825 days. The last time was under Dorival Júnior, in friendlies against England and Spain.
Brazil’s likely lineup for the knockout stage:
Defense: Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães and Douglas Santos
Midfield: Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães and Lucas Paquetá
Attack: Rayan, Matheus Cunha and Vinicius Jr.
So, guys, do you think this is Brazil’s best lineup?
Tell us in the comments what your starting XI would be for Brazil’s knockout match!
Japanese forward stirs things up
Off the pitch, tensions rose after comments from Japanese forward Kento Shiogai.
After a training session with the Asian side, the player downplayed the current form of Brazil’s number 10 and questioned Brazil’s status as one of the tournament favorites.
On Neymar: “He’s not the Neymar he used to be. I think we’re in a good place now.”
On Brazil’s status: “They used to be strong, but what about now? I see France as strong. Argentina too. As for Brazil, I haven’t heard much lately.”
Despite the provocative tone, Shiogai admitted that Brazil are still a major team and that a Japanese victory would give the “Blue Samurai” a huge morale boost for the rest of the World Cup.
Date: Monday, June 29, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM (BrasÃlia time)
Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston (Texas, USA)
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.
📸 Robert Cianflone – 2026 Getty Images
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