Brazil vs Uruguay: Crucial World Cup Qualifier Kicks Off in Salvador

Brazil and Uruguay are set to clash in a pivotal World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday, November 19, at the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador, Brazil. This encounter is crucial for both teams as they vie for top spots in the CONMEBOL standings to secure their places in the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Brazil, currently fourth in the CONMEBOL standings with five wins, four losses, and two draws from their 11 qualifiers, are under pressure to deliver a positive result. Their recent 1-1 draw against Venezuela has left them in a challenging position, especially with upcoming matches against Colombia and Argentina, the current top three in the South American table.

Coach Dorival Junior is expected to make minimal changes to his lineup, with one enforced change due to the suspension of right-back Vanderson, who will be replaced by Danilo. Key players like Neymar and Rodrygo are out due to injuries, placing the creative burden on Raphinha, Vinicius Junior, and Manchester City’s Savinho. The predicted starting XI for Brazil includes Ederson in goal, Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, and Abner in defense, with Gerson, Guimaraes, and Raphinha in midfield, and Vinicius, Igor Jesus, and Savinho up front.

Uruguay, sitting second in the standings, will look to extend their stay at the top. Coach Marcelo Bielsa is likely to introduce Manuel Ugarte into the midfield to bolster their defense against Brazil’s dominant possession. Darwin Nunez, who recently had his five-game international ban reduced on appeal, will lead the attack, supported by Facundo Pellistri. The predicted Uruguay lineup includes Rochet in goal, Nandez, Gimenez, Olivera, and Saracchi in defense, with Ugarte, Valverde, and Bentancur in midfield, and Pellistri, Aguirre, Araujo, and Nunez in the attack.

The match will kick off at 4:45 PM PT / 7:45 PM ET and will be available to watch in the United States on Universo and through streaming services such as Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and ViX. The odds favor Brazil, but given Uruguay’s recent form, including a 3-2 win over Colombia, this match is expected to be closely contested.

Historically, Uruguay has had the upper hand in recent meetings, winning the last two encounters, including the 2024 Copa America quarterfinals. However, Brazil’s home advantage and the need to break their losing streak against Uruguay could play a significant role in the outcome of this crucial match.