Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil will look to return to winning ways when they hit the road to face South Korea in a friendly on Friday.

While Brazil have already secured their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, they suffered a defeat last time out and will be eager to get back on track when they face South Korea, who could only manage a draw in their previous outing.

This might just be a friendly fixture, both manager will be eager to have a look at their team and fine-tune them ahead of the global event next summer.

The home team have also booked their place in the World Cup, and they were involved in two solid friendly games last month. South Korea got the better of the United States, and their last outing was a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Mexico.

Hong Myung-bo’s team have only lost one out of their last 19 games, which means they will certainly put up a strong fight against Brazil, who haven’t been at their best of late.

The South American giants have won the World Cup five times and will be aiming for a sixth this time around. However, their recent track record isn’t that great, having last won the World Cup in 2002. However, they did make it to the last eight in 2018 and 2022.

Brazil’s last outing ended in a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Bolivia. Given how things panned out, Ancelotti certainly has a lot to take care of. They have only won two out of their last five outings, which is not something one associates with them. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at both teams and tries to predict the tactics they could deploy.

Team News & Tactics

South Korea

Skipper Son Heung-min, who is currently playing in the United States, is expected to be back leading the line for the Asian nation. Meanwhile, Jens Castrop could make just his third start for the national team in their high-voltage friendly clash against Brazil.

Hong Myung-bo’s team do not have any fresh injury concerns, which will allow him to start the best possible XI.

They could line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, where Kim Seung-gyu will take charge in goal. Kim Moon-hwan and Kim Ju-sung could feature as the full-backs, with Kim Min-jae pairing up with Cho Yu-min in the heart of the defence.

In the centre of the park, Lee Jae-sung will partner with Kim Jin-gyu. The duo will look to shield the backline and ensure they do not allow Brazil to dominate the proceedings.

Lee Kang-in and Jens Castrop will feature on the flanks, providing much-needed width to their attacks. Won Du-jae will feature as the number ten, with Son Heung-min leading the line.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Kim Seung-gyu; Kim Moon-hwan, Kim Min-jae, Cho Yu-min, Kim Ju-sung; Lee Jae-sung, Kim Jin-gyu; Lee Kang-in, Won Du-jae, Jens Castrop; Son Heung-min

Brazil

Carlo Ancelotti will be without the likes of Alisson Becker, Marquinhos, and Raphinha for this international break. But, he certainly has a boost as Matheus Cunha is back in the squad, and Vinicius Junior has also been called up.

Ancelotti’s team will lineup in a 4-2-3-1 formation, where Bento will take charge in goal with Alisson unavailable. Vanderson and Andrey Santos should feature as the full-backs, while Eder Militao should partner with Gabriel Magalhaes in the heart of the defence.

In the centre of the park, Casemior will partner with Bruno Gumaraes. The Premier League duo will look to shield the backline and control the tempo of the game.

Chelsea sensation Estevao Willian will take charge on the right, while Vinicius should feature on the left. Cunha could take up the number ten role, with Richarlison potentially leading the line for them.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Bento; Vanderson, Militao, Gabriel, Santos; Casemiro, Guimaraes; Estevao, Cunha, Vinicius; Richarlison

Key Stats

• South Korea have suffered defeats in seven out of their last eight matches against Brazil.
• The Asian outfit did record a sensational 1-0 win over Brazil back in March 1999.
• Brazil haven’t lifted the World Cup since 2002 and they last won the Copa America back in 2019.
• Carlo Ancelotti’s team have only won two out of their last five matches.
• Hong Myung-bo’s team have only lost one out of their last 19 games.

Player to Watch

Vinicius Junior

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The 25-year-old winger registered over 40 goal contributions last season but was far from his best. Vinicius struggled to make an impact in the big games, and it undoubtedly affected Real Madrid’s campaign.

The Flamengo graduate now appears to be slowly getting back to his best, having contributed to at least one goal in each of Los Blancos’ last four league outings. He’s delivering in crucial moments, and Ancelotti will be delighted to see his star forward back in top form.

He wasn’t part of the squad during the last international break, but now that he’s back, Vinicius will certainly be eager to make his presence felt.

Prediction

South Korea 1-3 Brazil

Brazil will be determined to bounce back from their disappointing defeat to Bolivia, and Carlo Ancelotti’s men will look to make a statement against a resilient South Korea side. With Vinicius Junior back in the squad and slowly returning to top form, the Selecao should have enough firepower to get the job done.

South Korea, on the other hand, have been one of the most consistent Asian sides in recent years and will fancy their chances of testing the five-time world champions. With Son Heung-min leading the line, they are capable of troubling Brazil’s defence. However, the visitors’ quality and depth across the pitch should eventually prove too much to handle. The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-1 win for the away team.