Brazil vs Colombia: Preview, predictions and lineups

Brazil host Colombia in the early hours of Friday morning as they continue their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

The Selecao have been steady but rather uninspiring under Dorival Junior since the 62-year-old took over in January 2024, winning six, drawing six and losing two of his 14 matches in charge. Such results have left Brazil fifth in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table, seven points behind fierce rivals and leaders Argentina.

Successive draws to Venezuela and Uruguay have seen the five-time world champions stumble in their bid for automatic progression to next summer’s tournament, although they’re almost certain to qualify with relatively little fuss.

Colombia currently sit a point above Brazil in the standings but back-to-back defeats during the November international break have seen them lose ground on their competitors. The 2024 Copa America runners-up are unbeaten in their last two with the Selecao and will fancy their chances of grabbing a result this time around.

Here is 90min’s guide to the South American clash.

Brazil vs Colombia head-to-head record (last five games)

Current form (all competitions)

Neymar had received a call-up to Brazil’s March squad but injury has once again set him back. The superstar forward, who is now back at Santos, is absent with a thigh problem and has been replaced by Real Madrid’s Endrick.

Defensive duo Bremer and Eder Militao and Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson are among the injured personnel, while Casemiro and Lucas Paqueta are others who have been omitted.

Newcastle United pair Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes team up with their compatriots following their Carabao Cup victory over Liverpoola topic they may avoid when speaking with Reds goalkeeper Alisson on international duty.

Brazil predicted lineup vs Colombia (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Vanderson, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Arana; GERSON, Guimaraes; Rodrygo, Raphinha, Vinicius Jr; Wedge.

Colombia will lean on the creative influence of Luis Diaz during their clash with Brazil and the Liverpool winger will be helped in attack by Al Nassr star Jhon Duran and Leon midfielder James Rodriguez.

Crystal Palace duo Jefferson Lerma and Daniel Munoz have both been selected and are expected to start in Brasilia, with Bournemouth’s Luis Sinisterra the only other Premier League representative having recovered from injury over the past month.

Colombia predicted lineup vs Brazil (4-2-3-1): Vargas; Munoz, Lucumi, Sanchez, Mojica; Lerma, Portilla; Arias, Rodriguez, Diaz; Duran

Brazil have won just half of their home games in qualifying thus far and are far from guaranteed victory against the plucky Colombia. Despite their array of world-beaters, they have often struggled to gel on the big stage.

Colombia could take advantage to maintain the gap between themselves and Brazil, with Nestor Lorenzo’s side having generally saved their better performances for the stronger teams over the past year.

Prediction: Brazil 1-1 Colombia

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