Brazil and USA secure warm-up victories ahead of World Cup group stage
Five-time world champions rout Panama 6-2 at the Maracana while the US co-hosts beat Senegal 3-2 in final preparations for the 2026 tournament.
Brazil delivered a commanding 6-2 performance against Panama at the Maracana stadium, utilising the friendly to integrate squad changes ahead of their Group C opener against Morocco on 13 June. Vinicius Jr anchored the attack with a goal and an assist, but the most significant tactical shift occurred at halftime when coach Carlo Ancelotti replaced nearly the entire starting lineup, retaining only centre-back Leo Pereira.
The absence of key figures such as Neymar, due to a calf injury, and defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos, alongside forward Gabriel Martinelli, was attributed to the recent Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal. PSG secured the title on penalties after a 1-1 draw, an engagement that removed these players from the Brazil squad. Ancelotti’s reshuffle saw the introduction of replacements who quickly capitalised on Panama’s defensive errors, with Rayan, Lucas Paqueta, Igor Thiago, and Danilo adding to the scoreline.
Panama, making their World Cup debut in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Ghana, managed two goals through Michael Murillo and Carlos Harvey. However, the result served primarily as a platform for Brazil to assess depth, with the team now facing Egypt in a subsequent warm-up match before the tournament begins.
In a separate fixture, the United States secured a 3-2 victory over Senegal, a result that held particular significance for Christian Pulisic, who ended a goal drought with a strike and an assist. Sergino Dest opened the scoring early, and Pulisic doubled the lead before halftime. Senegal’s captain Sadio Mane scored twice to level the match, but AS Monaco striker Folarin Balogun netted the winner in the 60th minute to seal the win for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
The United States, set to co-host the tournament with Canada and Mexico, will conclude their warm-up schedule with a match against Germany on Saturday. They will then commence their Group D campaign against Paraguay on 12 June. Senegal, grouped with France, Iraq, and Norway, will begin their campaign against France on 16 June.
