Brazil Confirms Interest in Playing a Friendly Match Against Croatia

Written by Mark Thomas Nov 04, 2025

Brazil has officially expressed interest in playing a friendly match against Croatia in March 2026 as part of its preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in North America, confirmed Rodrigo Caetano, coordinator of Brazil’s men’s national teams, reports sportklub.

Speaking to Brazilian media, Caetano outlined the national team’s World Cup preparation plans ahead of the tournament, which will take place in June 2026 in Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

“In March, during the FIFA international window, we want to play against European teams. The opponents will be decided once the European qualifiers are over, but we would like to face France and Croatia,” said Caetano, as reported by O Dia.

According to Brazilian outlets, the five-time world champions are expected to meet France on March 28 in Foxborough, USA, followed by a match against Croatia on March 31 in Orlando. These venues, however, have not yet been officially confirmed.

The match would mark a highly anticipated rematch following Croatia’s dramatic penalty shootout victory over Brazil in the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals in Qatar — a result that ended Brazil’s campaign and cemented Croatia’s reputation as one of world football’s toughest tournament opponents.

Brazil’s current head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, who until recently managed Croatian captain Luka Modrić at Real Madrid, will be looking to restore the Selecão’s dominance on the global stage. Brazil qualified for the World Cup as fifth in the South American group, finishing behind Argentina, Ecuador, Colombia, and Uruguay.

Following their March friendlies against European rivals, Brazil will continue preparations in June at their traditional training base in Teresópolis, about 90 kilometres from Rio de Janeiro. The team is also expected to play a farewell match at the Maracanã Stadium, designed to “strengthen the bond with fans” before heading to the World Cup.

“We plan to play one more friendly before travelling to the World Cup and to conclude our preparations with another test in the United States,” Caetano added.

If confirmed, the Brazil–Croatia encounter in Orlando would not only serve as a crucial test for both sides ahead of the 2026 World Cup but also rekindle one of the most memorable rivalries of recent international football.