Does Jorginho play today? Where to watch Flamengo x Cruz Azul today for the Intercontinental Cup
Flamengo faces Cruz Azul this Wednesday, December 10, 2025, in the quarterfinals of Copa Intercontinental FIFA. The match takes place at 5pm UTC at Estádio Ahmed bin Ali, at Al Rayyan, at Qatar, bringing together champions from Libertadores and Concacaf Champions Cup. Jorginho returns to the starting lineup after recovering from muscle fatigue, reinforcing the red-black midfield alongside Erick Pulgar.
Filipe Luís, coach of Flamengo, chose a 4-2-3-1 formation for the duel. The starting lineup has Rossi in goal, Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro in defense, with Jorginho and De Arrascaeta, Carrascal and Samuel Lino support Bruno Henrique in attack.
Midfielder Jorginho, aged 23, played 25 games in Brasileirão 2025 and recorded 1,100 successful passes during the season. Sua inclusion brings mobility and game vision, with an average of 5.5 recoveries per match.
- Main highlights in the lineup: Jorginho (midfield), Léo Ortiz (defender) and Bruno Henrique (captain).
- Tactical formation: 4-2-3-1 with a focus on possession and transitions.
- Reserve bank: Matheus Cunha, Dyogo Alves, Everton Araújo, De La Cruz and Pedro.
Embezzlement in Cruz Azul affects Mexican defensive sector
Cruz Azul arrives with problems in defense due to recent injuries. Jesús Orozco, starting defender, remains out due to a broken ankle suffered in the Liga MX semifinal against Tigres. Andrés Montaño, midfielder with a knee injury, is also not part of the delegation for Qatar.
Nicolás Larcamón, coach of Cruz Azul, confirms Andrés Gudiño in goal and a line of three defenders with Willer Ditta, Erik Lira and In midfield, Lorenzo Faravelli and Jeremy Márquez dictate the pace, while Omar Campos and Rotondi play on the flanks in an adaptable 3-4-3.
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The preparation included specific training on dead balls, taking advantage of the defenders’ average height of 1.82m. Larcamón aims for a high marking to contain Jorginho and Arrascaeta in the center of the field.
Team history and adaptation to the Qatari environment
Flamengo brings experience in world tournaments with participations in 2019 and 2022. The Rio club won the Libertadores 2025 1-0 against Palmeiras in November, with a goal from Danilo. No Brasileirão, finished with 78 points and the title, beating Ceará 1-0.
Cruz The team has lost just three of the last 24 games in varied competitions, adopting a scheme that values dynamic wingbacks.
The delegations landed in Doha on Monday, December 8, to adapt to the time difference and the 28°C temperature. Flamengo used the Aspire Academy for light ball possession sessions on synthetic turf. Cruz Azul preferred Education City Stadium for finishing exercises.
Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg directs the game, with assistants Mahbod Beigi and Andreas Söderkvist. Nyberg records an average of 4.2 cards per match in FIFA events, with an emphasis on tactical fouls.
Where to watch the match live on Qatar
The broadcast covers several regions with affordable options. No Brasil, TV Globo shows open air at 2pm on Brasília, with full coverage. SporTV offers it on pay-per-view, with analysis before and after the kickoff.
FIFA+ streams free with registration, in English and Spanish, covering three hours of content. CazéTV, on YouTube, covers it at no cost to the Brazilian public, narrated by Casimiro Miguel. GE TV includes real-time updates via the app.
Nos Estados Unidos, Fanatiz USA and beIN Sports serve the local market. No Qatar, local time is 8pm, available on channels such as Al Kass. Globoplay integrates paid broadcasting into Brasil, with post-game replays.
Platforms like Sofascore deliver live data, including ball possession and shots. The winner moves on to the semi-final against Pyramids FC on December 13th.
Tactical strategies highlighting Jorginho in midfield
Filipe Luís implements 4-2-3-1 in Flamengo, with Jorginho and Pulgar in balancing roles. The young midfielder recovers balls in advanced areas, with 2.8 interceptions per game, freeing up Arrascaeta for creation. Bruno Henrique advances diagonally, with 14 goals this season.
Cruz Azul adopts a reactive 3-4-1-2, closing central lines where Jorginho operates. Ditta coordinates the rearguard, but absences leave the sides vulnerable to crosses from Varela and Alex Sandro. Larcamón accelerates in the second half, a phase in which the Mexican team draws 70% of its duels.
Estimates point to 55% possession for Flamengo and over 2.5 goals with odds of 1.95. FIFA’s annual format rewards advancement by stage, encouraging consistent performances. Nyberg refrains from simulations, aligning with fair red-black play.
Final preparation and logistics in Estádio Ahmed bin Ali
Teams complete preparations in Doha with attention to hydration. Flamengo applies daily massages to maintain his rhythm, having conceded just 27 goals in Brasileirão. Cruz Azul prioritizes counterattacks, with Fernández converting 16 shots.
Tickets range from 50 to 200 Qatari riyals, or R$70 to 280, sold on the FIFA website. The stadium accommodates 45,000 fans, with groups organized in designated areas. Medidas security controls supporter access.
Flamengo is aiming for its second intercontinental trophy, while Cruz Azul is looking for the first since 1971. The dry air of December provides open matches, with an average of 2.3 goals in games at the venue.
