Vinícius' Brazil and Salah's Egypt clash before the World Cup

Brazil, led by Vinícius Junior and Raphinha, will test their strength against Egypt, bolstered by the return of Mohamed Salah, in their final friendly match before the 2026 World Cup kicks off next Thursday in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Brazilian coach Carlo Ancelotti will have most of his squad available, though Neymar remains in New Jersey recovering from an injury. Egyptian coach Hossam Hassan will have his captain and star player, Salah, at his disposal. Brazil enters the match in Cleveland following a decisive 6-2 victory over Panama last Saturday in Rio de Janeiro, where they bid farewell to their home fans.

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We will introduce several changes in the starting lineup compared to the one used initially against Panama because we want to test alternatives and new attacking options.

Ancelotti indicated he will implement significant changes to the starting lineup compared to the Panama match, aiming to explore alternative attacking strategies and provide playing time to various squad members. He confirmed that, similar to the previous game, the entire team will be substituted at halftime to continue evaluating players and ensure everyone gets needed minutes. Notable inclusions in the starting XI are Marquinhos, who recently won the Champions League with PSG, alongside full-back Douglas Santos, midfielder Lucas Paquetá, and forward Igor Thiago.

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We will change the entire team in the second half to continue making tests and give minutes to those who need them.

Paquetá and Igor Thiago are set to start after impressing in the second half against Panama. Defender Gabriel Magalhaes will likely be rested due to fatigue, having also recently played in the Champions League final with Arsenal. Brazil boasts a dominant historical record against Egypt, having won all six matches played between them since 1960, with a goal difference of 18-4.

This friendly is exactly one week before Brazil's World Cup debut against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey. Brazil, drawn in Group C, will also face Haiti on June 19 in Philadelphia and Scotland five days later in Miami. Egypt, in Group G with Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand, will rely on the skills of Salah and Omar Marmoush, a Premier League duo, who could form an attacking trident with Trézéguet. Coach Hossam Hassan, a legendary former player, may use this final preparation match to experiment with his defensive setup, potentially employing a 3-4-3 formation with defensive midfielders like Hamdi Fathi.

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We can form a 3-4-3, with three defensive midfielders, including Hamdi Fathi, who will play further back.