Rio de Janeiro – In a first for Brazilian football, the national eSports team, known as the eSeleção, will face off against France in a pair of international friendly matches this Wednesday, March 25th. The matches, hosted at the headquarters of the Confederação Brasileira de Futebol (CBF) in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, mark a significant step in recognizing and integrating esports within the broader Brazilian football ecosystem. The event will be streamed live on CBF TV.
This isn’t a traditional stadium showdown; the competition will unfold online, featuring two popular titles: eFootball Console and EA FC. The CBF is using this opportunity to build experience and foster chemistry within its esports program, preparing for future international competitions. For those unfamiliar, esports, or competitive video gaming, has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry with a dedicated global fanbase, and this event signals Brazil’s commitment to participating on that stage.
eFootball Console Clash: Henrykinho & Futefacil vs. Lotfi & Nekza
In the eFootball Console bracket, Brazil will be represented by the duo of Henrykinho and Futefacil. They will compete against the French pairing of Lotfi and Nekza. Henrykinho emphasized the challenge posed by the French team, stating they are a “benchmark” with a proven track record in major tournaments, including a European championship. He believes these friendlies are crucial for the Brazilian team’s development. “We will gain experience and build chemistry through substantial matches,” he said.
Bruno Mota, known in the eFootball scene as “Futefacil,” is making his debut with the national team. “My first time with the national team. Very good preparation, a dream reach true,” Mota shared. He acknowledged the difficulty of the matchup against France, noting they’ve faced each other previously, but expressed confidence in the Brazilian team’s understanding of their opponent’s style of play.
EA FC Showdown: PHzin Takes on Leks
The EA FC friendly will spot PHzin representing Brazil against French player Leks. PHzin described Leks as a “very good player, known worldwide for his strong performances in major tournaments.” He anticipates a tough contest, having faced Leks in previous matchups. “It will be a great contest,” PHzin added.
Both friendlies will be played in a best-of-three format, with the Brazilian players competing directly from the CBF auditorium. This setup allows for a controlled environment and provides a unique opportunity for fans to witness the competition firsthand, even if it’s primarily an online event.
CBF’s Growing Investment in Esports
The Brazilian Football Confederation’s move to host this esports friendly reflects a broader trend of traditional sports organizations recognizing the potential of competitive gaming. The CBF, founded in 1914 and affiliated with FIFA since 1923, as detailed on Wikipedia, is actively seeking to engage a younger audience and explore novel revenue streams through esports. The organization reported a budget of $265.6 million (R$1.5 billion) for 2024, with a projected increase to $398.4 million (R$2.25 billion) for 2025, suggesting a growing financial capacity to support initiatives like this.
This event likewise comes on the heels of successes for Brazilian youth teams, as highlighted on the CBF’s official website, including the Under-20 team’s victory at the South American Under-20 Championship in 2025. The CBF is clearly focused on developing talent across all levels of the game, both traditional and digital.
The integration of esports into the CBF’s activities isn’t simply about adding another competition; it’s about recognizing the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment. Esports offers a new avenue for fan engagement, player development, and brand building, and the CBF appears determined to capitalize on these opportunities.
Following this landmark friendly, the focus will shift to analyzing the performance of the eSeleção and identifying areas for improvement. The CBF has not yet announced future esports events, but this initial foray into international competition suggests a long-term commitment to the discipline. Fans can stay updated on the eSeleção’s progress and future events through the CBF’s official website and social media channels.
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