Brazil will challenge for the 2024 Copa America as they begin something of a new era in elite men’s international football.
Dorival Junior took charge early this year after 2023 ended in the ignominy of three consecutive FIFA World Cup qualifying defeats, including at home to arch rivals Argentina.
The Selecao enjoyed a more positive March international break, beating England at Wembley before playing out a thrilling draw with Spain, as teenager Endrick showcased his talent to a wider audience ahead of a transfer to Real Madrid.
With Neymar injured, Casemiro overlooked and the likes of Thiago Silva and Alex Sandro no longer on the international scene, the Copa America this year could see something of a new-look lineup for Brazil — although there will, of course, be quite a few familiar faces in the famous yellow-and-green jerseys.
Here, The Sporting News looks at the state of the Brazil roster and how they might line up for their opening match of the tournament in Los Angeles on June 24.
MORE: The full Brazil squad for the 2024 Copa America
How will Brazil line up at Copa America?
The big absentee for Brazil at this tournament is Neymar, who has not recovered sufficiently from a serious ankle injury. However, they will also be missing experienced midfielder Casemiro, who was overlooked for the squad, and goalkeeper Ederson, who sustained a fractured eye socket in Manchester City’s win over Tottenham in late May.
Dorival Junior favoured a 4-3-3 formation in the March friendlies against England and Spain, so it seems likely he will persist with that system.
Goalkeeper
Brazil’s first-choice keeper for some time has been Alisson. The Liverpool man would likely have kept his place regardless of Ederson’s injury.
Defence
Paris Saint-Germain’s Marquinhos is an almost certain starter at centre-back. It will likely be either Arsenal’s Gabriel or Real Madrid’s Eder Militao who is selected to partner him, although the latter missed much of the 2023/24 club season due to an ACL tear.
At full-back, Juventus’ Danilo is expected first choice at right-back, while Porto’s Wendell started both March friendlies on the left.
Midfield
With Casemiro not in the squad and Lucas Paqueta being charged with allegedly breaking betting rules in England, Brazil’s midfield is in something of a flux.
The West Ham playmaker is still able to play but Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United will almost certainly start, and it feels probable that Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz will be selected as Casemiro’s replacement. That would leave one spot in the middle three, potentially triggering a battle between Wolves’ Joao Gomes, and Atalanta’s uncapped Ederson.
Attack
With Neymar missing, Brazil’s attacking star is Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, who has enjoyed a superb club season and is one of the leading contenders for this year’s Ballon d’Or. Madrid teammate Rodrygo started the Spain friendly, along with Barcelona’s Raphinha, and that still feels like the most likely front three. Teenager Endrick will be assigned the role of impact sub.
Brazil predicted lineup, starting 11 at Copa America 2024
Here is the predicted starting lineup for Brazil’s opening Copa America match against Costa Rica on June 24.
Formation: 4-3-3
Lineup (right to left): Alisson (GK) — Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Wendell — Bruno Guimaraes, Douglas Luiz, Ederson — Raphinha, Rodrygo, Vinicius
Brazil Copa America 2024 schedule, matches
The Selecao’s final two warmup matches saw them beat Mexico 3-2 at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, before being held to a 1-1 draw with Copa America hosts USA at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.
Here is how their Copa America schedule looks.
