As December dawns, the schedule for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has finally been confirmed, and football fans now know precisely when five-time world champions Brazil will take to the field in their final pre-tournament fixtures. In preparation for the global spectacle, the Seleção will face formidable opponents France and Croatia during the March international window next year, aiming to fine-tune their squad and strategies. While the opponents had been confirmed for some time, the dates and venues of these two friendlies were only recently finalised.
Brazil’s preparation ahead of the World Cup will be tested against some of Europe’s most challenging teams. Speaking on the announcement, CBF (Confederação Brasileira de Futebol) President Samir Daoud stated, “The upcoming matches are confirmed against France and Croatia. Now, the details of dates and venues have also been settled.”
According to the Brazilian Football Confederation, the fixtures are as follows: Brazil will face France on 26 March in Boston, USA. Five days later, on 31 March, they will meet Croatia in Orlando, Florida, where the squad will establish a short-term training camp. These matches are expected to provide crucial insights for the coaching staff, allowing them to assess player form, test tactics, and build cohesion ahead of the World Cup.
Historical Context: Brazil vs France & Croatia:
| Opponent | Last Encounter | Result / Notes |
| France | 2015 | Brazil won both friendlies 3-0, displaying dominant attacking play |
| France | 2006 World Cup Quarter-Finals | Brazil eliminated after defeat |
| Croatia | 2022 Qatar World Cup Quarter-Finals | Match ended 1-1; Brazil eliminated in a penalty shootout |
Brazil’s encounters with France have historically been a mixed bag. While the Seleção have enjoyed recent friendly victories, World Cup clashes have proved more challenging, most notably in 2006 when France ended Brazil’s campaign at the quarter-final stage. The team’s recent memory against Croatia is less favourable: in the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals, the match ended 1-1 in regulation time, but Brazil suffered the heartbreak of a penalty shootout defeat.
These forthcoming friendlies in Boston and Orlando are not only an opportunity for Brazil to test their mettle against high-quality European opposition but also a chance to build momentum and confidence ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Fans worldwide will undoubtedly watch closely as Brazil seeks to fine-tune its squad and reclaim its place among the world’s elite.