Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti says he now knows his definitive starting XI for the upcoming World Cup after they wrapped up their tournament preparations with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Egypt at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland.A sharp, seventh-minute opener from Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimar�es was quickly cancelled out by Egypts Mostafa Ziko following a rare defensive lapse from Marquinhos.However, second-half substitute Endrick proved to be the difference-maker, sweeping home a low cross from Raphinha just six minutes after the interval to secure Brazils third consecutive warm-up win.The match provided the clarity Ancelotti was looking for ahead of their tournament opener in North America.I have the starting XI for Morocco, yes, he said. I have a clear idea.We were very good for 60 minutes, we pressed high and were strong defensively and offensively.Despite making a sweeping eight changes at halftime, it was the integration of his core leaders alongside emerging young talent like 19-year-old Endrick that pleased the manager most.For Ancelotti, balancing that youthful exuberance with seasoned tournament experience will be the foundation of Brazils pursuit of a sixth world title.The team played with intensity for 60 minutes, he said.The team needed to have more control but I have certainty.The evening wasnt entirely seamless for the Sele�o. Marquinhos misplaced backpass to Alisson in the 11th minute gifted Egypt an equalizer and served as a stark warning of how unforgiving football at the highest level can be.Ancelotti, however, preferred to view the defensive slip-up as a timely wake-up call before the real action begins next weekend.We played well, but we lacked concentration for a five-minute spell in the first half and we were punished. he said.At a World Cup, you dont get a second chance to fix those mistakes. But I am not worried; it is better to have these reminders now than next Saturday.The biggest bright spot of the second half was undoubtedly Endrick. Having struggled to find the net in recent matches, the teenage forward showed immense sharpness to finish a left-footed strike in the 51st minute, drawing high praise from his manager.Endrick was very powerful, he takes up great positions in the box, Ancelotti said.He can be an important player for us he needs to keeep going. He is very important for our build-up play.Roma right back Wesley left the field in tears after what appeared to be a serious muscle injury in his left leg, which might take him out of the World Cup. Teams can change players up to one day before their first games.Up Next: The World Cup Group StageBrazil now depart Cleveland to focus entirely on Group F, where their World Cup campaign begins in earnest next week.Ancelottis men face a highly competitive group stage schedule:Brazil vs. Morocco Saturday, June 13Brazil vs. Scotland Thursday, June 18Brazil vs. Haiti Tuesday, June 23 Topics Brazil National Football Team Egypt national football team Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read World Cup 2026 live: Brazil vs Egypt friendly confirmed teams and full line ups with Alisson, Casemiro, Vinicius Junior and Raphinha among starters, TV channel, live online stream and stats Ben Miller 7th June, 2026 Brazil v Egypt: International friendly line-ups, stats and preview, TV channel, live online stream and prediction for 2026 FIFA World Cup warm-up match Ben Miller 6th June, 2026 Neymar injury update: Brazil star to go undergo MRI as he closes in on return ahead of World Cup Jon Fisher 6th June, 2026 World Cup 2026 Group G: Preview, prediction, players to watch, fixtures and TV schedule Jon Fisher 2nd June, 2026 Lego World Cup trophy: Ronaldo, Messi, Mbappe and Vinicius Jr and the story behind their 2026 ad Ben Miller 3rd June, 2026 Ronaldo, Messi, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr: Behind the scenes on Lego World Cup trophy ad 2026 Ben Miller 3rd June, 2026
