The high-profile international friendly between Brazil vs Croatia is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 20:00 CET (3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT). The match will be played at Wembley Stadium, London.
This is one of the biggest friendlies of the March 2026 international window and serves as crucial preparation for both teams ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
This friendly gives both teams valuable competitive minutes in the build-up to the 2026 World Cup.
Brazil made it through the South American qualifiers, while Croatia secured their spot via the UEFA World Cup qualifiers.
Brazil vs Croatia Match Details, Date, Time, Predictions, Lineups & More
- Match: Brazil vs Croatia
- Tournament: International Friendly
- Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
- Time: 3:00 PM ET
- Stadium: Wembley Stadium, London
Team News and Analysis
Brazil
Coach Carlo Ancelotti has named a strong squad with most Europe-based stars available. No major new injuries reported. Brazil are expected to play their usual fluid 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, focusing on quick transitions and attacking flair.
Under Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil play with high technical quality and structured possession.
They press aggressively in the opposition half (high PPDA) and use wide overloads with full-backs pushing high.
Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo provide width and 1v1 threat, while Bruno Guimarães and Casemiro control the tempo in midfield. Brazil’s main strength is their ability to switch play quickly and exploit spaces behind a high defensive line.
Croatia
Croatia under Zlatko Dalić prefer a compact, low-block setup. They sit deep, defend in a tight 4-4-2 or 5-4-1 shape, and look to win the ball in midfield before launching fast counters.
They rely heavily on set pieces and long balls to target strikers. Their main defensive strength is organization and experience, but they can be vulnerable to sustained pressure and wide attacks.
Key Tactical Battles
- Midfield Control: Bruno Guimarães / Casemiro vs Luka Modrić / Mateo Kovačić – Brazil will try to dominate the centre, while Croatia will try to disrupt with physical challenges and experience.
- Wing Play: Vinícius Júnior vs Croatia’s full-backs – Brazil’s wingers are expected to create overloads and 1v1 situations.
- Transitions: Brazil’s high press vs Croatia’s counter-attacks – Croatia will look to exploit any gaps left by Brazil’s advancing full-backs.
Expected Game Flow
Brazil are likely to control 60-65% possession and create multiple chances through patient build-up and quick switches.
Croatia will defend deep and try to hit on the break or from set pieces. The game could open up in the second half if Brazil push for goals.
Brazil vs Croatia Starting XI
- Brazil lineup XI vs Croatia (4-3-3):Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Guilherme Arana; Bruno Guimarães, Lucas Paquetá, João Gomes; Rodrygo, Endrick, Vinícius Jr.
- Croatia lineup XI vs Brazil (4-3-3):: Livaković; Juranović, Gvardiol, Šutalo, Sosa; Modrić, Brozović, Kovačić; Majer, Petković, Perišić
Key Players to Watch
- Brazil: Vinícius Júnior (explosive winger) and Bruno Guimarães (midfield control).
- Croatia: Luka Modrić (creative veteran) and Joško Gvardiol (defensive leader).
Head-to-Head Record
The two teams have met several times, with Brazil holding a strong edge in recent friendlies.
| Date | Competition Type | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 9 Dec 2022 | FIFA World Cup | Croatia 1-1 Brazil (Croatia won on penalties) |
| 3 Jun 2018 | International Friendly | Brazil 2-0 Croatia |
| 12 Jun 2014 | FIFA World Cup | Brazil 3-1 Croatia |
Match Prediction
Brazil are clear favorites and are predicted to win narrowly. Croatia are well-organized and capable of scoring on the counter, so expect both teams to score.
- Brazil 2-1 Croatia
Where to Watch Brazil vs Croatia
- USA: Likely on ESPN+, fuboTV, or Paramount+ (check local listings).
- Brazil: Globo or SporTV.
- Croatia: HRT or local broadcasters.
- Global: FIFA+ (free in many countries), Fancode and official YouTube channels for highlights.
