Brazil will be without Neymar for the second game of their World Cup 2026 campaign. The Selecao hoped that their veteran star would miss just the one match of their summer tournament after he suffered a calf injury in the days leading up, but it has been revealed that he will remain sidelined once more for their matchday two encounter with Haiti.
As such, it should not change Carlo Ancelotti's side too much. Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw by Morocco last time out, and they were dominated for large periods of the encounter in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Star man Vinicius Junior popped up with a stunning equaliser to snatch a point, but it was a game that most Brazil fans would rather forget.
Now, there are decisions to be made for Ancelotti, who surprised many with his team selection in the opener. That was particularly the case at full-back, with natural central defender Roger Ibanez at right-back, and Douglas Santos, the Zenit man, at left-back. Ibanez was ripped to shreds down the Morocco left and was cautioned, causing Ancelotti to hook him at half time and replace him with Danilo. Casemiro also looked way off the pace and was sacrificed at the break, with former Liverpool midfielder Fabinho replacing him.
Depending on how ruthless Ancelotti wants to be, you can probably expect Ibanez to be dropped for this game, with Danilo coming in to take his starting berth. Casemiro is likely to keep his place, however, although there could be some rotation. Bruno Guimaraes started alongside the departing Manchester United man in the pivot, with ex-West Ham playmaker Lucas Paqueta ahead of them. Raphinha was off the right, with Vinicius on the left flanking Igor Thiago, who was also a disappointment up top.
As such, it could mean a few changes to the attack, with Matheus Cunha perhaps starting up top in place of the Brentford striker, while Paqueta could also be rested, with Luiz Henrique coming in on the wing and Raphinha moving inside into the No10 position. Central defence, despite how shaky Gabriel and Marquinhos were against Morocco, should be nailed on, as is Alisson Becker in goal. There are question marks over Gabriel, amid reports that the Arsenal defender missed training on Wednesday due to discomfort in his left abductor, while Raphinha was also seen training alone, managing blisters.
Predicted Brazil XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Santos; Casemiro, Guimaraes; Raphinha, Paqueta, Vinicius, Cunha
Injured: Neymar
Date and time: 1.30am BST on Saturday, June 20, 2026
Venue: Philadelphia Stadium, Pennsylvania
How to watch: ITV
