2026 FIFA World Cup qualification

With Vinícius Júnior back from injury, Brazil are overwhelming favorites to collect all three points against Venezuela.

After a shaky start, Brazil are currently in fourth place among the 10 CONMEBOL teams vying for places at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Seleção earned 16 points through its first 10 games and ended the international break in October with wins over Chile and Peru.

Dorival Júnior’s side are now ready to face Venezuela, a team that hasn’t won a game since June. However, La Vinotinto poses a greater threat than some might expect; the hosts managed draws against both Uruguay and Argentina, two teams that defeated Brazil in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Brazil will also be without Rodrygo, Éder Militão, Alisson and Bremer due to injury. Both Bremer and Militão suffered ACL injuries, while Rodrygo is out with a muscle injury in his left leg. Alisson, meanwhile, is still dealing with a hamstring injury he picked up on October 5.

The good news is that Vinícius Júnior is back with the squad after missing out in October. The winger already has 12 goals for Real Madrid across all competitions this season and will look to take advantage of a weakened Venezuelan backline.

Here’s how Brazil’s XI could look against Venezuela.

GK: Ederson– The Manchester City man is back between the sticks for Brazil as Alisson recovers from a hamstring injury.

RB: Vanderson– The defender impressed against Peru on the right flank and could feature for his second successive start over Danilo.

CB: Marquinhos—The 30-year-old is the leader of Brazil’s defense and will have the tough task of keeping Salomón Rondón off the scoresheet.

CB: Gabriel-With Militão out for the season, Dorival Júnior will rely on Gabriel to support the backline alongside Marquinhos.

LB: Abner-Abner may only have two senior caps to his name, but the Lyon defender earned his place on the left flank after moving up for Brazil in October. The left back had the most tackles and won the most duels against Peru.

DM: Bruno Guimarães– The Newcastle United man is the insurance policy for his backline. He will look to intercept and disrupt players before they break through Brazil’s final third.

DM: Gerson— The 27-year-old made his mark against Peru by winning 100% of his ground and aerial duels.

RW: Savinho– Expect Savinho to get the nod on the right wing now that the 20-year-old is fully recovered from his ankle injury.

AM: Raphinha—Raphinha is the latest player to wear the iconic number 10 shirt for Brazil. The 27-year-old scored a brace against Peru and comes into the game with 12 goals for Barcelona across all competitions this season.

LW: Vinicius Junior— After missing Brazil’s last two games through injury, Vinícius Júnior is back with the team, coming off a hat-trick for Real Madrid against Osasuna.

ST: Igor Jesus—The forward will once again lead the line for Brazil after scoring a goal and an assist in his first two caps for the team.

READ THE LATEST FOOTBALL NEWS, CONNECTIONS, PREDICTIONS, TRANSFER RUMORS AND MORE