Brazil beat Egypt 2-1 in warm-up fixture ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026
Cleveland, June 7
Brazil continued their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in impressive fashion, securing a 2-1 victory over Egypt in their final warm-up match in Cleveland and extending their winning streak to three matches.
The five-time world champions arrived with momentum after friendly victories over Croatia and Panama, and they made a bright start against Egypt. Brazil broke the deadlock in the seventh minute when midfielder Bruno Guimarães capitalised on a costly mistake from Mohanad Lasheen, as per FIFA.
The Egyptian midfielder was caught in possession following a clearance from goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir, allowing Guimarães to fire a clinical finish into the bottom-right corner.
However, Egypt responded almost immediately. Just four minutes later, Mostafa Ziko intercepted a misplaced backpass from Brazil captain Marquinhos and calmly slotted the ball beyond goalkeeper Alisson to level the scores. The goal marked Ziko's second strike in as many appearances for the national team.
Brazil suffered a setback midway through the first half when defender Wesley Franca was forced off with an injury. Despite the disruption, Carlo Ancelotti's side gradually regained control of the contest. Vinicius Junior and Igor Thiago both tested Shobeir, while Vinicius also saw a penalty appeal waved away shortly before halftime.
Ancelotti made eight changes during the interval, and one of his substitutions delivered the decisive moment in the 52nd minute. Raphinha produced a surging run down the left flank before finding Endrick, who finished first time with precision to restore Brazil's lead.
Egypt introduced several fresh faces after the break, including star forward Mohamed Salah. The Liverpool attacker attempted to inspire a comeback and came closest with a deflected long-range effort that sailed over the crossbar.
Brazil successfully protected their advantage for the remainder of the match, completing a confidence-boosting victory ahead of their World Cup opener against Morocco. The result underlines the growing momentum within Ancelotti's squad after a difficult qualification campaign.
For Egypt, the defeat brings an end to a three-match unbeaten run as they now shift focus to their opening World Cup fixture against Belgium.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Egypt gave them a real fight! Ziko's goal was brilliant. Mohamed Salah coming off the bench shows their depth. For a team that's not traditionally in the global elite, Egypt is improving so much. Proud to see African football rise. 🇪🇬👏
Eight changes at halftime? Ancelotti experimenting too much. Brazil need to find their rhythm. Reminds me of our Indian team's issues in the AFC Asian Cup - too much chopping and changing. Stick with a core XI! 🤔
Endrick is the future of Brazilian football! Only 18 and scoring in a pressure friendly? He's got that Ronaldo-esque composure. Ancelotti knows how to nurture young talent - look what he did with Vinicius at Real Madrid. Exciting times ahead. ⚡🔥
Nice to see a World Cup warm-up in Cleveland! Growing the game in the US is smart. Brazil looked better than their qualification form suggested. I think they go deep this year - still the most talented nation on paper. Neymar who? 😉
This match proves again that no team is invincible. Egypt's defensive organization was impressive, and they showed heart. As an Indian football fan, I see lessons for our national team: we need more friendlies against top-tier opposition to raise our level. At least we're playing better now under Igor Stimac. 🇮🇳⚽
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.