August 27 – Five-time world champions Brazil will play South Korea and Japan in friendlies in October as part of their World Cup preparations, the Brazilian FA (CBF) confirmed.
The South Americans will face South Korea in Seoul on October 10 and Japan in Tokyo on October 14. “Brazil has already faced Japan and Korea in other World Cups, and it’s a different kind of football, with a different style of play, players who run constantly, and a marking system that’s almost like a chase across the entire field,” said Rodrigo Caetano, the CBF’s sporting director. “It’s very important for our players to face these challenges before the World Cup and be prepared for what may come in 2026.”
Last June, Brazil claimed their ticket to the United States, Mexico and Canada, the triumvirate that will organise the 2026 World Cup. The Brazilians are the only country to have participated in every World Cups and the two friendlies mark the first step of their preparations for the finals. In the last five World Cups, Brazil were each time eliminated by European opposition.
“After the friendlies against Korea and Japan, our plan is to play against African teams in November and European A-level teams in March and June 2026,” said Caetano.
“This is part of the Brazilian national team’s World Cup planning, approved by the coaching staff and president Samir Xaud, with the understanding that technical matters are the priority at this time. We understand that facing different schools will provide us with the experience and skills we can compete against at the World Cup.”
In September, Brazil wrap up their World Cup qualification campaign against Chile and Bolivia with the injured Neymar out of the squad.
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