Brazil face their most important international double-header in recent memory as they gear up for a match against Colombia on Thursday, followed by a rivalry bout with Argentina on Sunday.
Neymar was back in the fold following his 18-month injury absence but has suffered another setback.
Brazil sit fifth in the table due to a shaky qualifying run in Neymar’s absence. They looked to be ready for a run up the rankings, but draws against Uruguay and Venezuela in November marked another setback. They are just one point back of both Ecuador and Colombia above them and two behind second-place Uruguay, so they remain within striking distance of those positions.
Yet they are also looking over their shoulder to Paraguay a point behind and Bolivia four more back of them, knowing only the top six are guaranteed a place at the World Cup.
Colombia looked like the darlings of this 2026 cycle early on but came crashing back down to Earth with three defeats in the past four qualifiers. The time is now for Brazil to pounce knowing they have a make-or-break week ahead of them.
The Sporting News runs through the latest team news and injury updates for both sides as the match draws nearer.
MORE: Why Lionel Messi was left off Argentina roster for March international break
Brazil vs. Colombia lineups, predicted starting 11, team news
Neymar was back in the Brazil squad for the first time since suffering an ACL injury in a 2023 qualifier against Uruguay. However, the Santos star suffered a muscular injury and has been replaced by Real Madrid teenager Endrick.
“The return seemed so close, but unfortunately I won’t be able to wear the most important jersey in the world for the moment,” the 33-year-old posted on Instagram.
Ederson held down the fort in goal back in November but is out after missing Manchester City’s previous game with an abdominal injury. Alisson will return to the starting role now that he is fit and in good club form. In midfield, Lucas Paqueta was left off the roster, so Bruno Guimaraes should start alongside Newcastle teammate Joelinton and November starter Gerson.
Tottenham striker Richarlison was left off the roster surprisingly, not even included on the preliminary list. Three players are out with long-term knee injuries, with Bremer, Gabriel Jesus, and Eder Militao all sidelined for a while.
Brazil predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Alisson (GK) — Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Abner — Joelinton, Gerson, Guimaraes — Raphinha, Rodrygo,Vinicius Jr.
Full squad:
Goalkeepers: Alisson, Bento, Lucas Perri
Defenders: Marquinhos, Alex Sandro, Gabriel, Arana, Vanderson, Murillo, Ortiz, Wesley
Midfielders: Guimaraes, Gerson, Cunha, Andre, Joelinton
Forwards: Vinicius, Raphinha, Rodrygo, Endrick, Savinho, Estevao, Joao Pedro
Colombia need more from stars Luis Diaz and James Rodriguez after they were blanked at home against Ecuador last time out in November, despite playing nearly an hour up a man. They will likely see 21-year-old Jhon Duran slide into the starting lineup as he enjoys his early days at Al Nassr.
Former Everton defender Yerry Mina is still in the mix but has been phased out of the starting lineup, with Jhon Lucumi and Carlos Cuesta more often preferred to start alongside Davinson Sanchez. Cuesta could be the best option given he is Sanchez’s club partner at Galatasaray, having joined the Turkish club this past winter.
Wolves defender Yerson Mosquera has been missing since the fall with an ACL tear and has yet to return, while the same is true for Juventus full-back Juan Cabal.
Colombia predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Vargas (GK) — Munoz, Cuesta, D. Sanchez, Mojica — Portilla, Rios — Arias, J. Rodriguez, L. Diaz — Duran.
Full squad:
Goalkeepers: Ospina, Vargas, Montero
Defenders: Sanchez, Arias, Mina, Munoz, Mojica, Lucumi, Cuesta, Borja
Midfielders: Rodriguez, Lerma, Quintero, Arias, Rios, Carrascal, Castano, Portilla, Campaz
Forwards: Diaz, Borre, Cordoba, Duran, Carbonero, Hinestroza
Brazil vs. Colombia live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying match across selected areas of the world’s major regions:
| Date | Time | TV channel | Streaming | |
| USA | Thu, Mar. 20 | 8:45 p.m. ET / 5:45 p.m. PT | Telemundo | Fubo USA, ViX |
| Canada | Thu, Mar. 20 | 8:45 p.m. ET / 5:45 p.m. PT | — | — |
| UK | Fri, Mar. 21 | 12:45 a.m. GMT | Premier Sports 1 | Premier Player |
| Australia | Fri, Mar. 21 | 11:45 a.m. ADST | SBS | SBS On Demand |
| India | Fri, Mar. 21 | 5:30 a.m. IST | — | — |
