The CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) announced this Friday (6) that Brazil will face Panama, on May 31, at Maracanã, in its last commitment in the country before heading to the United States to compete in the 2026 World Cup.
The Panamanian team is currently 33rd in the FIFA rankings and is in group L of the World Cup, alongside England, Croatia and Ghana.
Playing at Maracanã again was coach Carlo Ancelotti’s wish. “It’s a grand stage, which carries a lot of history. We have everything we need to play a World Cup at a high level, we are preparing very well, the players feel proud to serve the national team and this exchange of energy before the dispute will be very good”, said the coach.
Before the commitment in Rio de Janeiro, the Brazilian team has two friendlies on the next FIFA date, against France and Croatia, in Boston and Orlando, respectively. The call for these games will be on March 16th.
Brazil’s last test before the World Cup will be against Egypt, in the USA, on June 6th. The team led by Ancelotti is expected to leave for North America on June 1st.
For Samir Xaud, president of the CBF, the program, with a farewell at Maracanã, will be quite symbolic for the players. “Maracanã is the home of the Brazilian team, a stadium known throughout the world and which has always been the stage for great performances. Receiving the affection and support of the fans will be fundamental for the team, which will depart for the USA the next day”, he stated.
The final call-up for the World Cup should take place on May 19th, at an event at the CBF headquarters, in Rio de Janeiro.
