Brazil face Uruguay in Bahia on Tuesday in a game that could prove pivotal in their bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The Selecao sit fourth in the CONMEBOL standings after five wins, four losses and two draws in their 11 qualifiers to date. A top-six finish is required to guarantee a place at the finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico, so there is no reason to panic over their performances yet.
However, fans are growing frustrated over their inconsistency, with the 1-1 draw against Venezuela last week leaving them in a potentially difficult position when you consider that their next three opponents in the qualification cycle — Uruguay this week, then Colombia and Argentina in March 2025 — are the current top three in the South American table.
The pressure is on coach Dorival Junior to mastermind a positive result against Marcelo Bielsa's team, so it will be interesting to see how many changes he will make to his lineup.
The Sporting News looks at the latest team news and predicted starting 11s below.
LIVE BLOG: Follow along with minute-by-minute updates, commentary, and highlights of Brazil vs. Uruguay
Brazil vs. Uruguay lineups, confirmed starting 11, team news
Brazil are still without first-choice goalkeeper Alisson who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Man City shot-stopper Ederson will continue in goal in his absence, while Gerson retains his place in the XI with Lucas Paqueta once again on the bench for a second time this international window.
Rodrygo, who was forced off early in Brazil’s recent match against Osasuna, will remain unavailable for some time, as will defenders Eder Militao and Bremer who are both out with ACL injuries.
The hosts will also have Lucas Beraldo, Fabricio Bruno, or Alex Telles unavailable for this fixture. Estevao Willian will also miss out due to a lack of match fitness. Vanderson is suspended, while Endrick was surprisingly not called in.
Brazil starting XI (4-3-3, right to left): Ederson (GK) — Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Abner — Gerson, Guimaraes — Savinho, Raphinha, Vinicius Jr. — I. Jesus.
Injured: Alisson, Arana, Beraldo, Bremer, Bruno, Eder Militao, Neymar, Rodrygo
Suspended: Vanderson
MORE: How Vinicius' missed penalty saw Brazil held by Venezuela | Brazil's record goal scorers
For Uruguay, Darwin Nunez will lead the attack while his CONMEBOL suspension remains in limbo thanks to an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Ronald Araujo has accepted his suspension to serve while he remains out with a serious hamstring injury, while Giorgian de Arrascaeta and Nicolas de la Cruz are both absent due to injuries of their own.
Uruguay will need to carefully manage the disciplinary situation of several key players. Manuel Ugarte, Santiago Bueno, Nahitan Nandez, and Jose Maria Gimenez are all one booking away from suspension.
Uruguay starting XI (4-3-3, right to left): Rochet (GK) — Varela, Gimenez, M. Olivera, Saracchi — Valverde, Ugarte, Bentancur — Pellistri, Nunez, M Araujo.
Injured: Nicolas de la Cruz (hamstring), Giorgian de Arrascaeta (knee).
Suspended: None
MORE: All the latest EPL club news | Team-by-team Premier League schedule for 2024/25 | Latest Premier League top scorer rankings
Brazil vs. Uruguay live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this World Cup qualifying match across selected areas of the world's major regions:
| Region | TV | Streaming |
| USA | Universo | Fubo, Universo NOW, Vix, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo |
| Canada | — | — |
| UK | Premier Sports 2 | Premier Sports Player, bet365 |
| Australia | SBS | SBS On Demand |
| India | — | — |
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