Carlo Ancelotti’s men started the match in fine form, dominating possession throughout the first half, though they initially struggled to break through the wall of goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic. However, just before the break, Danilo managed to penetrate the defense to send Brazil into halftime with the lead.

In the second half, the pace of the match slowed significantly as Brazil ceded more of the ball to Croatia. The Croatians eventually found an equalizer through Lovro Majer with only five minutes remaining, a goal that seemed destined to seal a draw in Orlando.

But the drama wasn’t over. Just a minute later, the referee awarded a penalty for a foul on Endrick, which Igor Thiago converted to restore the lead. With the advantage back in their favor, Gabriel Martinelli added one more in the dying moments to secure the final 3–1 result.

[Watch Brazil vs Croatia online in the US on Fubo]

One of the standout matchups of the FIFA international window features Brazil and Croatia in a clash that could foreshadow a future World Cup showdown. Brazil is looking to respond after a loss to Kylian Mbappe’s France.

With Vinicius Jr. leading a talented group eager to rebound against top European opposition. Meanwhile, Croatia—fresh off impressive runs at Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022—continues its build toward Luka Modric’s, aiming to finish with anew victory after defeat Colombia 2-1.

When will the Brazil vs Croatia match be played?

Brazil play against Croatia in a 2026 friendly game this Tuesday, March 31, with the match kicking off at 8:00 PM (ET). Follow Brazil vs Croatia live with us!

Brazil vs Croatia: Time by State in the USA

ET: 8:00 PM
CT: 7:00 PM
MT: 6:00 PM
PT: 5:00 PM

How to watch Brazil vs Croatia in the USA

This Friendly clash between Brazil and Croatia will be available for viewers in the USA on Fubo. Other options: DirecTV Stream and ESPN Deportes.

The most important could be related to Rio de Janeiro and the matchup the Dallas Cowboys will play at Maracana Stadium since, unlike what happened in 2024 and 2025, it could not be held in Week 1.

Last year, the Kansas City Chiefs faced the Chargers on September 5, while two seasons ago, the Eagles played against the Packers on September 6. Now, there could be a plot twist.

Brazil 2026 international game might suffer important change

The game in Brazil that the Cowboys will play in 2026 cannot be scheduled for Week 1 due to legal issues, according to a report from Adam Schefter during a special appearance on The Pat McAfee Show.

“I don’t think they’re allowed to do Fridays. The Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 prohibits NFL games on the second Friday in September to the second Saturday in December. Labor Day is Monday, September 7. So, the NFL cannot violate the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 and schedule a game Friday night this year.”

The big difference is that, in 2024 and 2025, the games the NFL scheduled in Brazil were in the first week of September. Now, the calendar arrangement made the NFL kickoff scheduled for the second week of September. Because of this, there cannot be a game on Friday and the league had to move to a Wednesday–Thursday tandem.

When is 2026 NFL kickoff?

The 2026 NFL kickoff is scheduled for Wednesday, September 9, when the Seattle Seahawks will host an opponent to be determined. The tradition of having the opening game at the home stadium of the defending Super Bowl champions remains in place.

Then, on Thursday the 10th, the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers will face off in Melbourne in the first regular-season game in Australia. This indicates that the league has decided to use the Wednesday and Thursday slots since the NFL legally cannot do so on Friday.

Brazil looked off their game once again. With Neymar Jr. out of the lineup to face France, the “Verde-Amarela” struggled and registered yet another loss. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is approaching, and Carlo Ancelotti can’t figure out his side, still. Brazil’s next test will be against Croatia at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.

France didn’t look at their best, either. But when you have Kylian Mbappe on the team, anything can happen. That was the case as the French ace opened the scoring and helped his team prevail in New England. France will face Colombia in their next game on March 29th at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland.

The forward’s absence is not a last-minute decision. Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti did not include him in the squad for the March international friendlies, including matches against France and Croatia.

The decision is largely tied to his physical condition, as he is still working his way back to full fitness after recent injuries and ongoing muscle issues. While he has returned to club action, Brazil’s staff have opted for caution.

Is Neymar injured or resting?

Neymar has been dealing with lingering physical issues since suffering a serious knee injury in 2023, and although he has returned to club action, he has not yet reached full match fitness.

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti made it clear that only players at 100% condition were selected for the March international friendlies. His absence is therefore precautionary rather than tactical.

He has also struggled with muscle fatigue in recent weeks, which limited his rhythm and prevented the coaching staff from fully evaluating him ahead of the squad announcement.

For Brazil, the decision reflects a long-term approach. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, the priority is ensuring that the forward can return at full strength rather than risking setbacks in a friendly against France.

How did Neymar get injured?

Neymar suffered a serious knee injury after rupturing his ACL during a match in 2023. The Brazilian star was injured while playing in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay, when he landed awkwardly following a challenge and immediately showed signs of discomfort.

Medical tests later confirmed a torn anterior cruciate ligament, along with damage to his meniscus, an injury that typically requires surgery and a lengthy recovery period.

This setback sidelined him for several months and forced him into an extensive rehabilitation process. Even after returning to action, players recovering from ACL injuries often need additional time to regain full match fitness and confidence.

The details of Neymar’s meticulous roadmap were revealed by journalist Murilo Tauro for the respected Brazilian outlet Globo. The strategy is designed to protect his surgically repaired knee and includes personalized training sessions, a strict limit on match appearances, and the avoidance of long-distance travel.

Ancelotti has until May 18, 2026, to submit his final 26-man roster for the 2026 World Cup. Neymar’s primary goal is to prove he can still provide elite value to the Seleção and secure his place in what would be his final World Cup appearance as a player.

Neymar’s strategic plan for the 2026 World Cup

Neymar is reportedly following a specialized schedule designed to manage his physical workload and maintain peak fitness. Between now and the May 18 roster announcement, Santos have 14 matches scheduled; Neymar intends to feature in exactly half of them (7 matches) to ensure he has sufficient match rhythm without overtaxing his body.

To protect his surgically repaired knee, the veteran forward will strictly avoid playing on artificial turf, such as the surface at Palmeiras’ Allianz Parque. Additionally, he will skip long-distance international travel, specifically opting out of Copa Sudamericana away fixtures in Argentina, Ecuador, and Paraguay.

Perhaps most notably, the report indicates that if Neymar is included in the final 26-man squad on May 18, he will immediately cease playing for Santos for the remainder of the club season.

Ancelotti’s stance on the Neymar situation

In a press conference ahead of the friendlies against France and Croatia, Ancelotti was once again questioned regarding Neymar’s continued absence from the squad and his prospects for the final 2026 World Cup roster.

The Italian manager remained characteristically composed and cautious, offering a measured response to the mounting pressure from fans and media. “I observe and listen to everything,” Ancelotti stated. “Everyone is entitled to their opinion on soccer because soccer isn’t an exact science. There are many things people can have an opinion on—whether the team is playing well, or if a specific player is performing or not. All those opinions must be respected”.

When did Neymar last play for Brazil?

It has now been nearly two and a half years since Neymar last stepped onto the pitch for Brazil. His last appearance for the Seleção came on October 17, 2023, during a CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifier against Uruguay—a night that ended in heartbreak for the superstar as he suffered a torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee.

The last time Neymar Jr was called up by Brazil was just over a year ago, on March 6, 2025. On that occasion, then head coach Dorival Junior included him in the squad for the South American qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina. His return generated major expectations, marking his official comeback after nearly 18 months out due to a serious knee injury.

Despite being called up in March 2025, Neymar did not log any minutes in those matches. After the loss against Argentina in Buenos Aires, a result that led to Dorival’s departure, the player returned to his club to continue his physical recovery. Since then, under Ancelotti, Neymar has not appeared in any official squad list.

When was the last time he played a match?

Meanwhile, the last time Neymar played an official match for Brazil was on October 17, 2023, against Uruguay at Estadio Centenario in World Cup qualifying.

That night proved devastating for the Brazilian star, as before halftime, he suffered a torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee following an unfortunate collision. Brazil lost that match 2-0.

What did Neymar say about not being included?

Following the announcement, Neymar attended a Kings League match for his team Furia against DesimpedN in São Paulo, and while in the president’s box, he grabbed a microphone to address his exclusion directly: “I’m going to speak out here because I can’t just let this slide. Obviously, I’m upset and sad that I wasn’t called up.“

Despite the disappointment, Neymar made clear his determination to keep pushing for a place at his fourth World Cup. “But the focus remains, day after day, training after training, game after game. The focus remains. We’re going to achieve our goal. There is still the final squad selection to come,” said Neymar.

“One of the worst days of my life, how much I always feared this injury… maybe life has been a little cruel to me lately… I don’t know if I deserve this, but what can I complain about? How many wonderful things I’ve already experienced, which I also didn’t deserve. A great obstacle has arisen in my life, in my career, and it prevents me from doing what I love most for a while,” Rodrygo stated on his Instagram account.

Rodrygo expressed gratitude for the overwhelming messages of support he received following news of his injury. “Thank you, everyone, for the prayers, messages, and affection! Your support means the world to me,” he shared in a statement on social media.

This setback follows a challenging match in which Real Madrid suffered a 1-0 defeat to Getafe in LaLiga at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Rodrygo entered the game in its latter stages and had a couple of clear scoring opportunities, but was thwarted by the goalkeeper and defense.

Rodrygo’s resilience: A promise to return stronger

In addition to discussing his own situation, Rodrygo pledged to his fans and supporters of both Real Madrid and Brazil that he will strive relentlessly to regain his health. His goal is to recover quickly and come back stronger for the upcoming season.

“Even though this is a very challenging moment, I promise not to stop here. I believe I still have many incredible experiences ahead and aim to bring joy to everyone who believes in me. This is just a ‘see you soon,’“ Rodrygo asserted.

Now, Alvaro Arbeloa and Carlo Ancelotti face the challenging task of finding a suitable replacement for the upcoming fixtures. Rodrygo has been an integral part of the tactical setups for both Real Madrid and Brazil.

The starters are Logan Webb, Tarik Skubal, Paul Skenes, and Nolan McLean, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. Webb, Skubal, and Skenes were expected choices, but McLean being named as the fourth starter is a surprise for many.

McLean, the New York Mets’ top prospect, made his MLB debut last season and had a 2.06 ERA in eight starts. His performance will be key if Team USA wants to advance in the tournament.

Who will pitch against which teams

Webb will open against Brazil. Skubal is set to face Great Britain, and recently the pitch limit for Team USA vs. Great Britain at the World Baseball Classic was revealed, indicating that his workload will be tightly managed before he returns to camp. As a result, he won’t be available in the second round.

Skenes will start against Mexico, and McLean is scheduled to pitch against Italy. Choosing Skenes for Mexico shows Team USA is taking the matchup seriously, while McLean will face a big challenge in his WBC debut.

What this means for Team USA

The team is balancing experience and young talent in its rotation. Webb, Skubal, and Skenes bring MLB experience, while McLean adds fresh talent and potential. How they perform in the first four games could set the tone for Team USA’s run in the Classic.

“Following tests carried out today on our player Rodrygo by Real Madrid’s medical services, he has been diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament and a torn outer meniscus in his right leg,” Real Madrid stated in an official statement.

While an official timetable for his return has not yet been released, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reports that Rodrygo could be sidelined for up to 10 months. This extended recovery window would see the Brazilian forward out of action for the remainder of the calendar year, with a projected return to competitive play estimated for early 2027.

Beyond the significant blow to both Real Madrid and Brazil, the timing of the injury is particularly cruel for the player himself. Rodrygo had only just returned to action after being sidelined for nearly a month due to a persistent bout of tendinitis.

To suffer a season-ending ACL injury in his first match back represents a heartbreaking turn of events for the young forward, who had been working diligently to regain match fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Injury crisis at Real Madrid

Rodrygo’s long-term absence presents a major tactical headache for Alvaro Arbeloa, as Real Madrid find themselves depleted of attacking options. Joining the Brazilian on the sidelines is Kylian Mbappe, who has suffered a recurrence of knee issues. This development has sparked significant concern within the France national team setup as they monitor his fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

For their upcoming fixture, Arbeloa’s available frontline is remarkably thin, consisting only of Vinicius Jr. and youth product Gonzalo Garcia. The selection crisis is further exacerbated by the absence of Franco Mastantuono, who is awaiting a ruling on his suspension length following a straight red card in the defeat to Getafe.

The problems for Real Madrid are not confined to the frontline, as the injury crisis has decimated the spine of the team. Arbeloa is also currently without the services of Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham, and Eder Militao, all of whom are at varying stages of recovery from their respective ailments. While Camavinga’s absence is expected to be brief, the outlook for Bellingham and Militao is more complex, as their goal is to make a full recovery in time for the 2026 World Cup.

The South American showdown between Argentina U20 and Brazil U20 returns with major stakes attached. Argentina are still reeling after a costly loss to Ecuador U20 that all but derailed their title hopes, shifting their focus toward climbing as high as possible in the standings.

Meanwhile, Brazil enter in top form with two wins from two matches, firmly in the championship hunt and sitting near the top of the table. With pride and positioning on the line, expect a high-intensity clash between two historic rivals.

When will the Brazil U20 vs Argentina U20 match be played?

Brazil U20 face Argentina U20 in the Matchday 3 of the 2026 CONMEBOL U20 Women’s Sudamericano final stage this Sunday, February 22, with kickoff set for 6:00 PM (ET).

Brazil U20 vs Argentina U20: Time by State in the USA

ET: 6:00 PM
CT: 5:00 PM
MT: 4:00 PM
PT: 3:00 PM

How to watch Brazil U20 vs Argentina U20 in the USA

Catch this 2026 CONMEBOL U20 Women’s Sudamericano clash between Brazil U20 and Argentina U20 live in the United States on ViX.