Brazil’s Tough Road Ahead: Can They Bounce Back in World Cup Qualifiers?
Brazil have not had the best run in the World Cup qualifiers so far. They’ve lost four, drawn three, and won only five matches. With 18 points from 12 matches, they’re sitting in fifth place in the CONMEBOL rankings. Hence, they cannot slack in any of the matches they have left.
Till September, Brazil will play a total of six World Cup qualifier matches including two in March in a few days. Adding to the pressure, they have two extremely important fixtures this month. The first is against Colombia who are in fourth place with only a one-point lead over them.
🚨🚨 Neymar has been left out of Brazil squad for the upcoming games and he won’t play against Argentina.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 14, 2025
Éderson, Danilo and Neymar leave their place with Lucas Perri (Lyon), Alex Sandro (Flamengo) and Endrick (Real Madrid) called up. pic.twitter.com/0qqZQDFjkG
They will play the second match which will not only be an away match but will also be against Argentina who are in amazing form. Hence, their job becomes several times tougher especially with the absence of some key players.
| Matches | Tournament | Date | Time (ET) |
| Brazil vs Colombia | World Cup Qualifier | March 20 | 8:45 PM |
| Argentina vs Brazil | World Cup Qualifier | March 25 | 8:00 PM |
| Ecuador vs Brazil | World Cup Qualifier | June 4 | TBD |
| Brazil vs Paraguay | World Cup Qualifier | June 9 | TBD |
| Brazil vs Chile | World Cup Qualifier | September 9 | TBD |
| Bolivia vs Brazil | World Cup Qualifier | September 17 | TBD |
Also read: UEFA Nations League 2024-25 Schedule, Fixtures, Rules and Dates
Brazil are facing the biggest injury blow going into these important fixtures as they will miss forward Neymar because of a muscle injury. The 33-year-old, who recently returned to Santos, his boyhood club, rejoined the Brazil squad after being absent for 17 months.
Neymar was set to make his first international appearance for Brazil in these World Cup qualifying games since suffering a serious knee injury in late 2023. However, he had to be omitted in the final 23-man squad. Coach Dorival Junior has called up Real Madrid’s 18-year-old youngster Endrick to replace Neymar.
Endrick who has scored six goals in 28 appearances for his club this season, has already scored three goals in his 13 senior caps for Brazil. Brazil also made two other changes: Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri has replaced Manchester City’s Ederson, whereas Flamengo’s Alex Sandro stepped in for Danilo.
Also read: England Men’s Football Fixture: What Are the Upcoming Games for England National Football Team?
Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker, Bento, and Lucas Perri
Defenders: Alex Sandro, Gabriel Magalhaes, Leo Ortiz, Guilherme Arana, Murillo, Vanderson, Marquinhos
Midfielders: Andre, Matheus Cunha, Gerson, Estevao, Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes,
Forwards: Vinicius Jr., Raphinha, Endrick, Wesley, João Pedro, Rodrygo, Savinho
soccer Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.
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