Carlo Ancelotti has just a few hours to finalize the initial formation of the Brazilian team in the last match of the group stage of the World Cup. The national team will face Scotland this Wednesday (24), at 7pm (Brasília time), at the Hard Rock Stadium, in Miami.
With Neymar’s return, but without striker Raphinha, who is injured, Ancelotti will command the 15th distinct starting squad since taking office in May 2025. The main question revolved around who would fill the Barcelona player’s place, but a decision is already in the offing.
During the training sessions that followed the victory over Haiti, last Friday (19), the Italian coach evaluated the performances of Luiz Henrique and Rayan for the position on the right wing. The former Vasco da Gama athlete appears as the main option. With this choice, Lucas Paquetá would gain greater freedom to act centrally, a tactic that proved efficient in a previous match in Philadelphia.
Matheus Cunha and Vinicius Jr., who had outstanding performances in the match against Haiti, are guaranteed to be among the starters and will complete the offensive sector.
Other potential changes to the team considered the physical exhaustion of the athletes and the situation of players suspended with a yellow card. Douglas Santos and Casemiro run the risk of missing the team in the round of 16 if they receive a warning against Scotland, but the current strategy foresees the use of both from the beginning, demonstrating the coach’s confidence even with the risk of suspension in a decisive game for the next phase.
On the physical aspect, the biggest concern lies with Gabriel Magalhães, who had an exhausting season for Arsenal. If the coaching staff chooses to spare the number 3, defender Léo Pereira, from Flamengo, will form the defensive duo alongside Marquinhos.
The probable formation of the Brazilian team for the third challenge of the World Cup includes: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães (with Léo Pereira as an alternative) and Douglas Santos; Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães; Rayan, Lucas Paquetá, Matheus Cunha and Vinicius Jr.
Details about the broadcast of the clash between Scotland and Brazil
The Brazilian team’s game against Scotland, which takes place this Wednesday (24), at 7pm (Brasília time), will be broadcast live on CazéTV, available at no additional cost through the Disney+ streaming service.