Brazil v Senegal preview
Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium hosts a big friendly on Saturday afternoon as Brazil take on Senegal, two years since their 4-2 defeat in Lisbon, where Senegal came out on top.
Brazil arrive in London still shaping their identity under Carlo Ancelotti, who has made six appearances since taking over at the end of May.
His record so far stands at three wins, one draw and two goals, 11 goals with four points saved.
A narrow 1-0 win over Paraguay in June ensured Brazil maintained their unblemished record of qualifying for every World Cup.
But the campaign itself was inconsistent: eight windows, drawn deals and the loss of the fifth in the South American table, 10 points from Argentina, and still able to develop the best fals of the summer.
A trip last month to Asia highlighted that inconsistency. A 5-0 demolition of South Korea was followed by a 3-2 defeat against Japan, despite Brazil leading by two at half-time.
Angelotti will expect a more controlled performance this weekend and is still chasing his first victory in Senegal, with the Africans not placing in their previous meetings.
Senegal, meanwhile, arrives in excellent form. A 4-0 win over Mauritania last month secured top spot in group b and outright security for the 2026 World Cup.
Under Pape Thiaw, who was appointed in December 2024, the Lions of Teranga posted an impressive win and two draws in 12 games, conceding three goals in due course.
They also have the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations fast approaching, with group fixtures against DR Congo, Benin and Botswana coming up in late December.
Before then, Senegal face Brazil and Kenya next Tuesday as they recover from their preparations.
Brazil v Senegal team news
Neymar remains absent from the national set-up, despite recovering from injury in Santos, and has not been selected in Ancelotti’s 26-man squad.
Goalkeeper Hugo Souza withdrew due to injury, while Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli, Savinho, Joelinton, Joao Gomes and Lucas Gelldo were also left out.
Angelotti has spoken publicly of encouraging Vinicius junior to play as a central midfielder rather than his regular role on the left.
The Real Madrid star started in that position against Japan and could continue there at the Emirates. Joao Pedro, Richarlison and Matheus Cunha are among the options, with Chelsea’s 18-year-old Temple hoping to add to his growing tally of three goals in nine.
Senegal are without Krepin Diatta through injury and have omitted Nampalys Mendy, Mamadou Mbow and Cheikh Nisse from last month’s squad. Assene Diao returns after missing the previous camp, while Rassoul Ndiaye returns from a controversial test with his first cap in 18 months.
Chelsea loanee Mamadou Sarr, currently in Strasbourg, has been called into the side for the first time along with PSG winger Ibrahim Mbaye.
Sadio Mane, who scored two goals in Brazil in 2023, should start again, with Nicolas Jackson, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr all available in attack.
Expected Line-ups for Brazil V Senegal
Brazil: Ederson; Wesley, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Henrique; Casemiro, Guimaraes; Estevao, Paqueta, Rodrygo; Vinicius jr
Senegal: Mendy; Mendy, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf; Sarr, Gueye; Sarr, Ndiaye, Mane; Jackson
Prediction: Brazil 2-2 Senegal
How to watch Brazil V Senegal: TV channel, streaming online
Brazil v Senegal kicks off at 4pm on Saturday, 14 November and will be available to watch in the UK on ITV 4.
Brazil V Senegal statistics
- Brazil have never beaten Senegal, drawing one and losing one of their previous friends
- Senegal have scored 14 points in their last four games, conceding only twice
- The last six games under Ancolotti produced 11 goals and 6 against
- Senegal conceded just three goals in 10 matches for the 2026 World Cup
- Brazil finished fifth in South American Facing, 10 points behind Argentina
Industry forecasting
Senegal come in strong and with a settled structure, while Brazil remain at the first stage of Ancolotti’s renaissance. Both teams carry a major attacking threat and the game should produce chances for both Exs.
