The Brazilian team completes its preparation for the eagerly awaited first game of the 2026 World Cup, maintaining the base of the team that began activities under the command of Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian coach conducted the penultimate training session with a focus on an experienced group, signaling tactical stability before the decisive clash. The maintenance of eight athletes who played their debut in 2022 demonstrates the search for consistency and integration.
This Thursday’s work in New Jersey included a repeat of the likely starting lineup. Ancelotti closely watched the flanks with Danilo and Alex Sandro, while Matheus Cunha and Lucas Paquetá alternated up front. The priority in the training sessions involved fine adjustments to set pieces, both offensive and defensive.
Probable composition of the starting team
The latest indications from the technical committee point to the following starting line-up for the Brazilian team at the World Cup:
- Alisson
- Danilo
- Marquinhos
- Gabriel Magalhães
- Alex Sandro
- Casemiro
- Bruno Guimarães
- Lucas Paquetá
- Matheus Cunha
- Vini Junior
- Raphinha
Tactical adjustments and satisfaction with the midfield
The technical committee expressed satisfaction with the midfield’s performance, especially the occupation of spaces and the synchrony demonstrated by Lucas Paquetá and Bruno Guimarães in their actions with the ball. This positive assessment reflects the duo’s success in preparatory games, such as the recent clash against Egypt. The focus on this partnership aims to guarantee control of the game and fluidity in the offensive transition.
Given Wesley’s absence, striker Raphinha will play a crucial role. He should maintain his characteristic mobility, however, with a more pronounced presence on the right aisle during the team’s attacking dynamics. This tactical adaptation seeks to exploit the player’s speed and dribbling ability, creating more options for advancing on the right.
Understanding Ancelotti’s 4-4-2 defensive system
The Brazilian team’s defensive system, as already stated by Carlo Ancelotti himself, will be structured in a 4-4-2 formation. In this scenario, recomposition is fundamental and each player has a well-defined role to block the opponent’s advances. Matheus Cunha, for example, will be responsible for composing on the left, helping to mark and close spaces.
At the same time, Lucas Paquetá will play on the right in the defensive phase, contributing to the solidity of the midfield line. This organization allows players like Vini Júnior and Raphinha to maintain greater freedom to initiate counterattacks. The strategy seeks to balance defense protection with the ability to surprise the opponent at speed.
Debut clash at the 2026 World Cup
Brazil is preparing for its debut in the World Cup, facing Morocco next Saturday. The game will be played at 7pm (Brasília time) and marks the opening of Group C, which also includes Haiti and Scotland. The other components of the group will meet in Boston, on the same Saturday, at 9 pm, complementing the first round of the world tournament.