… Brazil sweating on Raphinha fitness This was the 41st time in World Cup history in which Brazil have scored three or more goals – five more than any other nation. …
… However, clear-cut chances remained limited, with Raphinha coming closest to a winner when he narrowly failed to connect with a dangerous cross from Guimaraes. …
… And although chances were at a premium for both sides, Raphinha came closest to finding an elusive second when he narrowly failed to connect with Guimaraes’ low-driven cross across the face of goal. …
… Brazil created the better chances thereafter and, shortly after a half-time break during which Ancelotti made eight changes, 19-year-old Real Madrid striker Endrick swept Raphinha’s low cutback into the far corner. …
… Brazil created the better chances thereafter and, shortly after a half-time break during which Ancelotti made eight changes, 19-year-old Real Madrid striker Endrick swept Raphinha’s low cutback into the far corner. …
… Ancelotti ticks that box: a record five Champions League titles and trophies in all five of Europe’s major leagues carry real weight, even in a dressing room featuring Neymar, Vinicius Jr, Raphinha and co. …
… The only show of fight came from Trent Alexander-Arnold when he shoved Raphinha late in the game, but that was not the type of passion they needed, and it served to only fire up the home crowd further. …
Brazil arrives at each World Cup burdened by expectations of jogo bonito—the beautiful, creative football style of past generations—but has delivered disciplined, calculated play for nearly three decades. Each generation faces nostalgic comparisons to legends like Pelé and Ronaldinho, with the nation's near-misses in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022 fueling frustration.
Brazil arrives at each World Cup burdened by expectations of jogo bonito—the beautiful, creative football style of past generations—but has delivered disciplined, calculated play for nearly three decades. Each generation faces nostalgic comparisons to legends like Pelé and Ronaldinho, with the nation's near-misses in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022 fueling frustration.
Brazil defeated Haiti 3-0 in their second 2026 World Cup group match, with goals from Matheus Cunha and Vinicius Jr before half-time, but registered no shots on target in the second half while Haiti had seven attempts, prompting questions about when the best version of Brazil will appear in the tournament.
Vinicius Junior scored in the 32nd minute to secure a 1-1 draw for Brazil against Morocco in a World Cup match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Morocco's Ismael Saibari had opened the scoring in the 21st minute, marking the first goal the African champions have scored against South American opposition at a World Cup.
Vinicius Jr scored in the 37th minute to earn Brazil a 1-1 draw against Morocco in their opening 2026 World Cup match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, after Brazil fell behind to Ismael Saibari's goal in the 21st minute.
Brazil full-back Wesley injured his left groin 15 minutes into a 2-1 World Cup preparation win over Egypt and will undergo tests to determine if he can participate in Brazil's Group C campaign starting Saturday against Morocco. Head Coach Carlo Ancelotti said Wesley has a muscle problem and they will wait for diagnostic results, but believes the player will have time to recover.
Brazil full-back Wesley has been ruled out of the World Cup because of a thigh injury, with Manchester United-bound midfielder Ederson called up to replace him. Wesley suffered an adductor muscle injury in Brazil's 2-1 preparation match against Egypt.
Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti agreed in May 2025 to lead Brazil as their first-ever foreign coach at a World Cup, and has prioritized learning Portuguese through intensive lessons to win over the fanbase and local staff.
Raphinha scored twice as Barcelona defeated Real Betis 3–1 to become the first team to win all 19 of their home matches in a 38-game La Liga season. The champions, who won the league title with a victory over Real Madrid, are only the 11th La Liga side to achieve a perfect home record in a season.
Marcus Rashford scored a free-kick as Barcelona beat Real Madrid to clinch their 29th La Liga title with three games remaining. Barcelona have won back-to-back La Liga titles and lead Real Madrid by 14 points after an 11-game winning run.
Marcus Rashford, on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United, has scored 12 goals this season and made a significant impact despite recent transfer speculation. The article argues Rashford should be patient regarding his future at the club.