Brazil and Colombia are set to collide in a high-stakes showdown on matchday 13 of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers this Thursday night. With pride, history, and crucial points on the line, both teams are desperate to bounce back after a disappointing November window that saw them lose ground in the race to the top.
While qualification for next summer’s finals seems likely, neither side can afford another slip-up. Expect fireworks, flair, and a battle for redemption as two South American giants go head-to-head in a clash that could shake up the standings.
Brazil may sit comfortably in fifth place, but by their lofty standards, Dorival Junior's tenure has been underwhelming. Since taking over in January 2024, the Selecao have been steady but far from spectacular, winning six, drawing six, and losing two of their 14 matches under his guidance. Now, they find themselves a staggering seven points adrift of arch-rivals Argentina at the summit of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table.
Back-to-back draws against Venezuela and Uruguay have slowed Brazil’s march toward qualification, though their place at next summer’s tournament is hardly in doubt. Still, the five-time world champions will want to silence the critics with a statement win.
Neymar’s long-awaited return was cut short before it even began, with injury forcing him to withdraw once again. His absence paves the way for teenage sensation Endrick to step in, while Lucas Paqueta, Ederson, and Igor Jesus are among the surprise omissions.
Brazil will also be without key defensive figures Eder Militao, Bremer, and Danilo, while goalkeeper Ederson and striker Richarlison have been sidelined with recent setbacks. With some fresh faces in the squad and plenty to prove, can the Selecao rediscover their spark?
BRAZIL predicted lineup vs COLOMBIA: Alisson (GK); Vanderson, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Alex Sandro; Gerson, Bruno Guimaraes; Rodrygo, Raphinha, Vinicius Junior; Cunha.
Colombia may hold a slight edge over Brazil in the standings, but their momentum has taken a serious hit. Back-to-back defeats in November saw them lose ground on the teams above, and now they must rise to the challenge against a Selecao side desperate to make a statement.
The 2024 Copa America runners-up have reason to believe, though—unbeaten in their last two meetings with Brazil, they’ll fancy their chances of causing another upset. And who better to lead them than James Rodríguez? A decade after announcing himself to the world at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the iconic playmaker is set to captain his country once again on the same stage where his legend began.
Luis Díaz, despite struggling at Liverpool in recent weeks, remains the heartbeat of Colombia’s attack, while Jhon Durán—now plying his trade in Saudi Arabia—retains his spot in the squad.
One of the most in-form players heading into this clash is Crystal Palace’s Daniel Muñoz. The dynamic full-back has been in stellar form for his club, and with a weekend of rest alongside teammate Jefferson Lerma, he’ll be raring to go. Will Colombia take advantage of a vulnerable Brazil and solidify their place in the top four?
COLOMBIA predicted lineup vs BRAZIL: Vargas (GK); Munoz, Lucumi, Sanchez, Mojica; Lerma, Rios; Arias, James, Diaz; Duran.
Brazil’s dominance at home isn’t what it once was—winning just half of their home qualifiers so far, the Selecão are anything but invincible. For all their star power, they’ve often lacked cohesion when it matters most, leaving the door open for an ambitious Colombia to exploit their weaknesses.
Néstor Lorenzo’s men have shown a knack for rising to the occasion against top-tier opposition, and they’ll relish the chance to stun Brazil on their own turf. With momentum on their side and a golden opportunity to widen the gap in the standings, Colombia won’t back down from this fight. Will the Selecão finally find their rhythm, or are we in for another shock on South American soil?
Prediction: Brazil 1-1 Colombia
