Match Preview for Brazil v Senegal
Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium hosts a high-profile friendly on Saturday afternoon as Brazil meet Senegal, two years on from their dramatic 4-2 encounter in Lisbon, where Senegal came out on top.
Brazil arrive in London still shaping their identity under Carlo Ancelotti, who has overseen six matches since taking charge at the end of May.
His record so far stands at three wins, one draw and two defeats, with 11 goals scored and four clean sheets kept.
A narrow 1-0 win over Paraguay in June ensured Brazil maintained their flawless record of qualifying for every World Cup.
But the campaign itself was inconsistent: eight wins, four draws and six losses left the Selecao fifth in South America’s table, 10 points adrift of Argentina, and still with plenty to improve before next summer’s finals.
Last month’s travels to Asia highlighted that inconsistency. A 5-0 dismantling of South Korea was followed by a 3-2 defeat against Japan, despite Brazil leading by two at half-time.
Ancelotti will expect a more controlled performance this weekend and is still chasing his first win over Senegal, with the Africans unbeaten in their two previous meetings.
Senegal, meanwhile, arrive in excellent shape. A 4-0 victory over Mauritania last month saw them clinch top spot in Group B and secure direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Under Pape Thiaw, appointed in December 2024, the Lions of Teranga have posted an impressive 10 wins and two draws from 12 games, conceding just three goals during qualifying.
They also have the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations fast approaching, with group fixtures against DR Congo, Benin and Botswana coming at the end of December.
Before that, Senegal face Brazil and then Kenya next Tuesday as they fine-tune their preparations.
Team news for Brazil v Senegal
Neymar remains out of the national setup, despite recovering from injury at Santos, and has not been selected in Ancelotti’s 26-man squad.
Goalkeeper Hugo Souza has withdrawn due to injury, while Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli, Savinho, Joelinton, Joao Gomes and Lucas Beraldo have also been left out.
Ancelotti has spoken publicly about encouraging Vinicius Junior to play as a central forward rather than his usual role on the left.
The Real Madrid star started in that position against Japan and could continue there at the Emirates. Joao Pedro, Richarlison and Matheus Cunha are all alternative striking options, while 18-year-old Chelsea talent Estevao hopes to add to his growing tally of three goals in nine senior appearances.
Senegal are without Krepin Diatta through injury and have omitted Nampalys Mendy, Mamadou Mbow and Cheikh Nisse from last month’s squad. Assane Diao returns after missing the previous camp, while Rassoul Ndiaye is back in contention for his first cap in 18 months.
Chelsea loanee Mamadou Sarr, currently at Strasbourg, has been called up for the first time alongside 17-year-old PSG winger Ibrahim Mbaye.
Sadio Mane, who scored twice in the 4-2 win over Brazil in 2023, should start again, with Nicolas Jackson, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr all available in attack.
Expected line-ups for Brazil v Senegal
Brazil:Ederson; Wesley, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Henrique; Casemiro, Guimaraes; Estevao, Paqueta, Rodrygo; Vinicius Jr
Senecal: Menddy; Mendy, Kulibyy, Niakhate, Diuf; Sarr, Guye; Sarr, Night, Man; Jackson
Prediction: Brazil 2-2 Senegal
How to watch Brazil v Senegal: TV channel, online stream
Brazil v Senegal will kick-off at 4pm on Saturday, 14th November and will be available to watch in the UK on ITV 4.
The stats for Brazil v Senegal
- Brazil have never beaten Senegal, drawing one and losing one of their previous friendlies
- Senegal have scored 14 goals in their last four matches, conceding only twice
- Brazil’s last six games under Ancelotti have produced 11 goals for and 6 against
- Senegal conceded just three goals in 10 qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup
- Brazil finished fifth in South American qualifying, 10 points behind Argentina
Prediction
Senegal arrive in stronger form and with a settled structure, while Brazil remain in the early stages of Ancelotti’s reshaping. Both teams carry significant attacking threat and the game should produce chances at both ends.
