The last World Cup did not end as Brazil expected, but it is time to turn the page. Although that elimination against Croatia in Qatar 2022 still hurts, the Canarinha will soon have to start their journey towards the next World Cup, so they should not be neglected in their preparation.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) would have everything agreed for Carlo Ancelotti to replace Tite, but the Italian would only take the reins of the team in 2024, once his contract with Real Madrid ends. If so, they would implicitly agree to play several Qualifying matches without Carletto. This year, the Brazilian team will have to play six dates on the way to the United States, Mexico and Canada.
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Brazil’s six rivals for Qualifiers in 2023
Because the last World Cup took place between November and December of last year, the qualifiers for the next World Cup will not start in March, as it used to be. Instead, the start was postponed to September.
Brazil will debut at home against Bolivia and then visit Peru in the same window. In October, they will host Venezuela before playing in Uruguay. The following month they will have two challenging duels, having to travel to Colombia to later receive Argentina, the brand new world champion. For now, interim coach Ramon Menezes is expected to lead the team for those games.
This situation is what generates some uncertainty as to what can be expected for these matches.
September 2023
Brazil vs. Bolivia – It should not present any major complications, but we will have to see how Brazil itself reaches this date.
Peru vs. Brazil – Itbegins a new process with Juan Reynoso Guzmán, after being left out of Qatar in the playoffs. A challenging challenge but in which Brazil should be favourites.
October 2023
Brazil vs. Venezuela – It seemed to have reasons for hope with José Pekerman, but the Argentine did not last long at the helm of the team. Now it will be Fernando Batista who will take the reins, although perhaps we will have to wait to see significant changes. There are no excuses, Brazil should do its job and prevail.
Uruguay vs. Brazil – The Celeste begins a new cycle with Marcelo Bielsa, which adds another seasoning to a duel that already appears complicated.
November 2023
Colombia vs. Brazil – It will look for Néstor Lorenzo to take them back to a World Cup after being left out of Qatar. We will have to see how the Qualifiers begin, but the visit to Colombia can never be underestimated.
Brazil vs. Argentina – This duel will undoubtedly give people something to talk about in the previous one. Argentina will arrive as the last world champion, with the memory of also having won the Copa América in Brazil. Lionel Scaloni plans to continue with a large part of the champion squad, although we will possibly see new faces.
