Brazil Faces South Korea in Friendly Match Ahead of World Cup

The Brazilian national football team is set to face South Korea in a friendly match on Friday, October 10, 2025, as part of their preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Coach Carlo Ancelotti is expected to field a lineup featuring experienced players and old acquaintances from his Real Madrid days, including Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Éder Militão, as well as midfielder Casemiro, who now plays for Manchester United.

Preparing for the World Cup

This match against South Korea is a crucial opportunity for Ancelotti to test his team’s strategies and player combinations ahead of the World Cup. Brazil will face another tough opponent in Japan next week in Tokyo. These friendly matches are essential for the team’s preparation, given the limited time Ancelotti has had to work with the squad.

Injuries and Uncertainties

Ancelotti faces challenges in selecting his starting lineup due to injuries to key players such as goalkeeper Alisson and defender Marquinhos. Additionally, the coach needs to finalize his team’s fullbacks and other positions where competition for places is fierce.

The Match

The match between Brazil and South Korea promises to be an exciting encounter, with the Brazilian team looking to maintain its tradition of success in international friendlies. The Seoul World Cup Stadium, with a capacity of 66,000, is sold out, and there is significant interest from South Korean fans.

Ancelotti’s Words

In a pre-match press conference, Ancelotti emphasized the importance of the players’ attitude on the field and called for a focus on teamwork rather than individual brilliance. “The attitude of the players on the field is more important than the strategy,” the Italian coach said.

Upcoming Fixtures

Following the friendlies against South Korea and Japan, Brazil will face two African opponents in November, followed by two more friendlies in March 2026, potentially against European teams in the United States. The final match before the World Cup will take place in June, after the final squad announcement.

Favorites for the World Cup

When asked about Brazil’s chances in the World Cup, Ancelotti acknowledged that the team is behind more experienced opponents but highlighted his ability to build a strong team. “In football, anything can happen,” he said.

Match Highlight

Young forward Estêvão, 18, opened the scoring for Brazil with a stunning goal following a pass from Bruno Guimarães. This marks Estêvão’s second goal for the Brazilian national team, and he is looking to make a significant impact in the 2026 World Cup.

With this win, Brazil aims to maintain its tradition of success in international friendlies and prepare as best as possible for the World Cup. The match against South Korea is an important test for the team and a significant step towards the World Cup.