Record-holding world champions in strong early form. Brazil scored six goals against Panama at the Maracanã.
Brazil’s national team has successfully passed its penultimate test before the World Cup. Coach Carlo Ancelotti’s squad celebrated a decisive 6-2 victory over Panama at the legendary Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
Vinicius Junior put the Seleção ahead as early as the 2nd minute. After Panama briefly equalized on an own goal by Matheus Cunha (14th minute), Casemiro made it 2-1 just before halftime (39th minute). After the break, Rayan (53′), Lucas Paqueta (60′), Igor Thiago on a penalty kick (63′), and Danilo Santos (81′) extended the lead further. Harvey managed only a consolation goal for Panama (84′).
Ancelotti makes nearly a complete lineup change at halftime – Neymar still out
At halftime, Ancelotti substituted nearly his entire team, with the exception of center back Leo Pereira. The Brazilians played with much more enthusiasm after the break and sealed the match with four goals in 28 minutes.
Neymar was once again absent. Although the 34-year-old forward is part of coach Carlo Ancelotti’s 26-man World Cup squad, he must sit out further due to a second-degree calf muscle injury. The Italian coach had named the long-injury-plagued attacker to the final roster despite doubts about his fitness and is counting on his experience. Ancelotti expects Neymar to be available for the World Cup opener, or at the latest for the second group stage match: “We believe he’ll be back very soon, and if he doesn’t make it for the opener, he’ll be there for the second game,” said the coach.
Neymar’s last international match to date was more than two and a half years ago. In October 2023, he suffered a torn cruciate ligament during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. Since then, the Selecao’s all-time leading scorer has been repeatedly sidelined by injuries. In early 2025, the former FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player returned from the Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal SFC to his home club, FC Santos.
Last friendly against Egypt
For Brazil, it was the penultimate test before the tournament—the Selecao still has one more friendly against Egypt before the World Cup kicks off. The record-holding world champions will face Morocco in their World Cup opener on June 14 at midnight German time. After that, they will face Haiti and Scotland in Group C. Panama will face Ghana, England, and Croatia in Group L.