Brasil confirma amistosos com França e Croácia em 2026 após sorteio de grupos da Copa

Brazil confirms friendly matches against France and Croatia in 2026 after World Cup group draw. Following the FIFA group‑stage draw held this week, the Confederation Brasileira de Futebol (CBF) announced that the national team will face France and Croatia in a series of pre‑tournament friendlies in March 2026, all to be played in the United States. These fixtures are set to give coach Carlo Ancelotti a chance to test squad depth and tactics ahead of the World Cup, which will run across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.

Principais Desenvolvimentos

On Friday, the CBF confirmed the dates and opponents via a statement posted on its official social media channels and on the Agência Brasil platform. The friendly series will comprise two matches: Brazil v France on March 15, 2026 and Brazil v Croatia on March 22, 2026. Although stadium assignments and kickoff times are still to be finalized, the venues are expected to be among the largest North American facilities, such as the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta or the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.

The announcement coincides with the release of the 2026 World Cup group allocation. The Brazilian squad will play Group D opponents Morocco, Scotland and Haiti, with the opening match scheduled for June 13 against Morocco. According to FIFA, the draw took place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., during a ceremonial event attended by officials from all participating confederations.

For context, the selection of France and Croatia reflects a strategic balance in preparation. France, the 2022 World Cup runner‑up, boasts a squad featuring several players in top European leagues. “We need to test our defense against a modern, high‑pressing team like France,” explained Ancelotti in a post‑draw interview with Sporting News Brazil. Meanwhile, Croatia offers a contrasting style, emphasizing midfield control and disciplined positioning. “Croatia presents a different tactical challenge that will help us fine‑tune our game plan,” added Ancelotti.

Statistically, Brazil faces a steep challenge. In the 2022 World Cup, the national team scored an average of 3.8 goals per match against France’s 2.6, but conceded 1.4 against Croatia in the group stage. The friendly schedule allows the coaching staff to address these defensive lapses, especially in set‑piece scenarios where both opposition teams have shown proficiency.

• France’s striker Kylian Mbappé (formerly of PSG) is projected to make 30 minutes of play in the friendly, likely testing Brazil’s backline.
• Croatia’s Andro Kalac will be among the key midfield threats, providing a benchmark for Brazil’s defensive midfield rotation.
• Statistical forecast models from Data4Sport predict that Brazil could average 2.5 shots on target per match in these friendlies, up from 1.9 in their last four pre‑tournament games.

O que vem a seguir

The scheduling of these friendlies is part of a broader strategic rollout by the CBF. After the matches, the coaching staff will compile a comprehensive performance report covering individual player metrics, tactical formations, and energy efficiency indices. This data will feed into the selection process for the final 26‑man squad due to be announced on June 1, 2026.

Moreover, the matches are expected to generate significant fan engagement. According to ESPN Brasil, ticket sales for the preliminary matches can reach up to 40,000 spectators per venue, bolstering Brazil’s presence on the international stage and securing sponsorship deals with major broadcasters such as ESPN+ and Globo Play.

For Brazilian players residing abroad, the friendlies also serve as logistical opportunities to arrange visas and travel documentation needed for the World Cup. Brazilian Association of Sports Diplomacy highlighted that the U.S. consulates in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro have opened dedicated “Sports Visa” processing lanes that are operational through March 2026. This initiative will expedite the transition from friendly matches to official tournament participation.

In the weeks leading up to the friendlies, the Brazilian Football Federation will release weekly updates through its official channels, detailing training camps, player injury statuses, and tactical shifts. Fans and stakeholders are encouraged to monitor these updates, as they provide real‑time insights into the team’s readiness.

Conclusão

With these friendlies firmly scheduled, the spotlight is now on Ancelotti to assemble a squad that balances experience and youthful vigor, while also addressing the tactical nuances posed by France and Croatia. The outcomes will directly influence Brazil’s preparation for what is widely regarded as one of the most competitive World Cups in history. Stay tuned as the national team embarks on this crucial phase of its campaign.

Entre em contato conosco para uma consultoria personalizada com base nas suas necessidades específicas.