Brazil will be without Neymar for their opening game of the 2026 World Cup against Morocco this weekend.
Neymar, Brazil’s all-time record goalscorer, will don the No10 shirt in North America but has not recovered from a grade two calf injury in time to feature in the Group C showdown.
With the five-time world champions expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under head coach Carlo Ancelotti, it could mean that Barcelona winger Raphinha is asked to operate centrally against Morocco.
As such, there could be an opening on the right-hand side with Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior almost guaranteed to start on the opposite flank.
Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli, Bournemouth’s Rayan, Endrick and Luiz Henrique are all options for the spot, although Lucas Paqueta may get the nod behind the striker, thus leaving Raphinha in his natural role.
Igor Thiago and Endrick are the recognised centre-forwards in the squad, but Matheus Cunha lead the line in a recent friendly against Panama and could get the nod once again - despite putting through his own net in that game.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker spoke to the media in the pre-match press conference, a major hint that he will make just his second competitive start for club or country since March.
Gabriel has not played in any of Brazil’s warm-up matches after joining up with the squad late due to Arsenal’s Champions League final appearance. He could partner captain Marquinhos in central defence, with Danilo and Alex Sandro completing the back four.
A familiar look to Brazil’s midfield is expected as Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes is partnered by Casemiro - soon to be a former Manchester United player officially.
Predicted Brazil XI: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Alex Sandro; Casemiro, Guimaraes; Raphinha, Paqueta, Vinicius Jr; Cunha
Injured: Neymar
Time and date: 11pm GMT on Saturday, June 13, 2026
How to watch: BBC One
Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
