Exclusive: Brazil to face European opponent in friendly after September games against Chile and Bolivia

CBF president confirms post-FIFA Date preparation plans for the 2026 World Cup

The Brazilian national team, already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will use its final pre-tournament calendar to sharpen preparations. In September’s FIFA Date, Carlo Ancelotti’s squad faces Chile on September 4 and Bolivia on September 9, in their last official fixtures before the tournament.

Call-Up Date Confirmed

The CBF announced that the player call-up will take place on August 25, with strong expectation that Neymar could return to the squad.

CBF President Confirms European Friendly

Speaking exclusively to Somos Fanáticos, CBF president Samir Xaud revealed plans for at least one friendly against a European team after the September matches.

“There will be a friendly. We’re negotiating. The coaching staff will make the choice, and the selection criteria will be based on the FIFA ranking,” said Xaud, successor to Ednaldo Rodrigues.

The opponent has not yet been determined, and the friendly could take place later this year or even in early 2026, depending on negotiations.

Focus Shifts Fully to Friendlies Before World Cup

Following the September FIFA Date, Brazil will no longer have competitive qualifiers. Instead, the schedule will be filled exclusively with friendlies leading into the World Cup.

Ancelotti’s Early Record with Brazil

Since taking over, Carlo Ancelotti has coached Brazil in just two matches, remaining unbeaten a draw against Ecuador and a 1–0 win over Paraguay, both in World Cup qualifying.