ORLANDO, FL – Brazil and Croatia will meet in a crucial friendly match at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, on Tuesday evening, marking the final test for Seleção before coach Carlo Ancelotti finalizes his squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match, scheduled for 9 p.m. Eastern Time (21h Brasília time), will be broadcast on TV Globo, SporTV, and Ge TV (YouTube), with live updates available from CNN Esportes.
Ancelotti has made six changes to the starting lineup from Brazil’s recent 2-1 loss to France in Boston. Goalkeeper Bento, defender Ibañez – deployed at right-back, center-back Marquinhos, midfielder Danilo, and forwards Luiz Henrique and João Pedro will all feature from the start. This match represents a significant opportunity for players to impress Ancelotti ahead of the May 18th squad announcement.
The encounter carries added weight considering Croatia eliminated Brazil from the quarterfinals of the previous World Cup. A strong performance against the 2018 World Cup finalists could be pivotal for players vying for a spot on the plane.
Brazil’s Starting XI
Ancelotti will field a lineup of Bento; Ibáñez, Marquinhos, Léo Pereira, and Douglas Santos; Casemiro and Danilo; Luiz Henrique, Matheus Cunha, and Vini Jr.; João Pedro. The inclusion of Marquinhos and Vini Jr. Is particularly noteworthy, as both players have recently recovered from injuries and are available for selection, according to Ancelotti.
BRASIL DEFINIDO! 🇧🇷
Confira os 11 nomes escalados pelo Mister para enfrentar a Croácia nesta terça (31), às 21h (Brasília).
📺 TV GLOBO / SporTV / GE TV
🏟️ Camping World StadiumBATE NO PEITO, ISSO É BRASIL! 🫵 pic.twitter.com/lvxYUprVvM
— brasil (@CBF_Futebol) March 31, 2026
Croatia’s Starting XI
Croatia will counter with a lineup consisting of Livakovic; Vuskovic, Caleta-Car, Sutalo, and Stanisic; Sucic and Modric; Baturina, Kramaric, and Perisic; Budimir, led by coach Zlatko Dalic.
👥 …and in #Croatia corner! 🇭🇷🇧🇷 #BRACRO #HrabarBroj #PokažiSrce #Family #Vatreni ❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/LXHpbROs3z
— HNS (@HNS_CFF) March 31, 2026
Ancelotti emphasized the importance of finding the right balance between attacking flair and defensive solidity. “The last two World Cups Brazil won were built on a fantastic connection between talent and a strong defensive aspect,” he stated during a press conference. “Brazil needs talent, and we have that, but we also need to defend well. There’s no other way.”
The coach also highlighted his desire to assess players in a more competitive environment. “The objective of the games against France and Croatia was to test the starting eleven,” Ancelotti explained. “However, injuries have complicated matters. We’ve gained a good sense of the players’ capabilities, which increases competition for a place in the final squad. The idea wasn’t to hold trials, but to test the starting lineup. We may need to explore other options. We are on the right track.”
Following the match against Croatia, Brazil will continue their preparations with friendlies against Panama and Egypt before the final World Cup roster is revealed on May 18th. The stakes are high as Ancelotti looks to build a team capable of challenging for the title in the upcoming tournament. This friendly in Orlando offers a final, valuable glimpse into his thinking as he shapes the future of Brazilian football.
Fans can follow the match live on TV Globo, SporTV, and Ge TV (YouTube), and receive real-time updates from CNN Esportes. The outcome will undoubtedly fuel further discussion and debate as the countdown to the World Cup continues.
