Brazil and Croatia are set to renew their rivalry in a highly anticipated clash at Florida’s Camping World Stadium tomorrow, Wednesday, at 06:00 BST. The two sides last faced each other during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, a full 1,208 days ago, when they played out a 1–1 draw at the Education City Stadium. Since then, both squads have undergone significant transformations.
From that World Cup match, none of the goal scorers remain in the current line-ups. Neymar, out of the national team since October 2023, is recovering from a knee injury and is being gradually reintegrated. Croatia, meanwhile, has bid farewell to Bruno Petković, who now plays for Kocaelispor in the Turkish Süper Lig.
Brazil takes the field in a markedly new formation. Following their World Cup exit, the Seleção appointed Carlo Ancelotti — their fourth coach since Qatar 2022. Only Marquinhos, Danilo, Casemiro, and Vinícius Júnior from the Doha starting eleven remain active. Players like Bremer, Ederson, Fabinho, and Gabriel Martinelli, who previously appeared on the bench, also continue to feature, though injuries have ruled out Alisson, Alex Sandro, Éder Militão, Raphinha, and Bruno Guimarães.
Croatia has retained relative continuity under Zlatko Dalić, with most of the Qatar squad still in place. While Gi̇vardiol and Kovačić are absent, 13 players from the 2022 tournament remain. Goalkeeper Dominik Livaković, now 40, continues to deliver exceptional performances for AC Milan and will once again challenge Brazil. Veteran players including Vlašić, Perišić, Pašalić, Sučić, Stanisić, Sutalo, Maher, Kramarić, Budimir, Jakić, and Ćorić provide experience and cohesion.
Croatia’s Euro 2024 campaign was disappointing, exiting at the group stage after their Qatar World Cup semifinal loss to Argentina. They redeemed themselves in World Cup qualifying, topping their group unbeaten across eight matches, but were eliminated in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals by France on penalties. Their most recent fixture saw a 2–1 victory over Colombia.
Brazil, ranked fifth by FIFA, will test their youthful squad, seeking redemption for their World Cup defeat. The match is expected to pit Croatia’s experienced core against Brazil’s dynamic and evolving lineup.
| Team | Last Encounter (Score) | Returning Players | Absent Players | Coach |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 2022 WC (1–1) | Marquinhos, Danilo, Casemiro, Vinícius Jr, Bremer, Ederson, Fabinho, Gabriel Martinelli | Neymar, Alisson, Alex Sandro, Éder Militão, Raphinha, Bruno Guimarães | Carlo Ancelotti |
| Croatia | 2022 WC (1–1) | Livaković, Modrić, Stanisić, Vlašić, Perišić, Kramarić, Budimir, Jakić, Ćorić | Gi̇vardiol, Kovačić | Zlatko Dalić |
Historically, Brazil has the upper hand, winning three of six previous meetings against Croatia, with one loss and two draws. While Croatia relies on experience and cohesion, Brazil brings youthful energy and ambition, promising a compelling showdown on the Floridian turf.