Prediction: Brazil vs Croatia

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 14/5

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Still struggling to find momentum ahead of their World Cup challenge, Brazil travel to Orlando on Tuesday to face Croatia in an international friendly at Camping World Stadium.

The Selecao arrive on the back of a 2–1 defeat to fellow tournament contenders France, while Zlatko Dalić’s confident Croatia side come into the contest after edging Colombia by the same scoreline.

Brazil

Carlo Ancelotti has yet to replicate his Champions League success with Real Madrid on the international stage, and his early spell in charge of Brazil has raised concerns. The five‑time world champions have managed just two wins from their last six matches, a run that has done little to inspire confidence ahead of the global tournament.

Brazil concluded a mixed World Cup qualifying campaign with a shock 1–0 defeat to Bolivia, though there were brighter moments along the way. Dominant victories over South Korea and Senegal showcased the attacking potential within the squad, but inconsistency elsewhere has undermined progress. Tunisia managed to snatch a 1–1 draw, Japan stunned Brazil with a 3–2 win last autumn, and France most recently prevailed in Foxborough through goals from Hugo Ekitike and Kylian Mbappé.

Losing to a side of France’s calibre is no disgrace, but for a Brazil team determined to reclaim the World Cup crown for the first time since 2002, repeated failures against elite opposition inevitably prompt uncomfortable questions. There were unsettling echoes of Ancelotti’s underwhelming debut during the defeat to France, an ominous sign as Brazil prepare to face one of the most settled and in‑form national teams in world football.

Team News

Injuries have further complicated matters for Brazil. Raphinha was forced off at half‑time against France with a hamstring injury and is expected to be sidelined for around five weeks. Roma right‑back Wesley has also been sent home with a thigh problem, while Vinícius Júnior remains a doubt due to muscular fatigue.

There was at least some positive news, as captain Marquinhos returned to training after recovering from a hip injury and is in contention to earn his 104th international cap.

Croatia

Often labelled bridesmaids but never brides at recent World Cups and during the 2022–23 Nations League, Croatia have begun 2026 much as they ended a near‑perfect 2025, reigniting belief that another deep tournament run may be possible.

Zlatko Dalić guided the Chequered Ones through the latter part of last year with seven wins and one draw from their final eight matches, and that momentum carried into their friendly against Colombia in Orlando. Croatia came from behind to claim a 2–1 victory, as goals from Luka Vušković and Igor Matanović overturned Jhon Arias’s early opener.

While 40‑year‑old Luka Modrić continues to orchestrate play at AC Milan as his illustrious career enters its twilight, teenage defender Vušković has emerged as a rising star. The 19‑year‑old Hamburg centre‑back is rapidly increasing his reputation, offering a rare bright note amid a difficult season for his parent club Tottenham Hotspur.

Croatia now pursue a fifth consecutive victory and arrive in Florida having scored at least twice in each of their last four matches, although that run included encounters with lesser opposition such as Montenegro, the Faroe Islands and Gibraltar. Despite their current form, Croatia have never beaten Brazil inside 90 minutes. Their most recent meeting at the 2022 World Cup ended level after normal time, but Croatia ultimately prevailed on penalties, a result that sent Dalić’s side into the semi‑finals and plunged then‑Brazil coach Tite into turmoil.

Team News

Croatia’s squad remains largely intact. Backup goalkeeper Dominik Kotarski suffered an injury prior to the Colombia win, but otherwise Dalić has a full complement of players available.

Modrić, who earned his 195th cap from the bench last time out, is expected to return to the starting lineup and wear the captain’s armband against his former Real Madrid manager.

Veteran forward Andrej Kramarić, enjoying an excellent season with Hoffenheim, is also likely to be restored, potentially at the expense of Nikola Vlašić.

Conclusion

With Raphinha unavailable, Vinícius Júnior potentially sidelined and confidence still fragile, Brazil could be in for a difficult evening against a cohesive and buoyant Croatia side.

While Croatia’s recent winning run has featured some lesser opponents, their organisation and belief should again pose problems for Ancelotti’s team. Given the circumstances, a tightly contested and low‑scoring draw appears the most plausible outcome.

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 14/5

Bookmaker: ZetBet