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The Brazilian National Football Team delivered a commanding performance in their final match before departing for the World Cup, defeating Panama 6-2 in front of a packed Maracanã Stadium. With over 70,000 supporters cheering from the stands, Brazil showcased their attacking flair and gave the fans a memorable send-off before heading to face Egypt on June 6 at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland.

Fans witnessed two different Brazilian lineups during the game, as head coach Carlo Ancelotti followed a pre-match agreement to substitute 10 players at halftime, ensuring nearly every player in the squad got minutes. Centre-back Léo Pereira was the only player to complete the full 90 minutes.

Vinicius Júnior and Casemiro on target in the first half
Photo credit: Nelson Terme/CBF

Brazil started aggressively, pressing high from the opening whistle. A Panamanian midfield error while playing out from the back was capitalised on by Casemiro, who intercepted the ball and set up Vinicius Júnior. The Real Madrid star dribbled forward and fired a stunning shot from 23 metres, leaving goalkeeper Mosquera rooted to the spot. Brazil went 1-0 up within the first minute.

Despite controlling possession, Brazil conceded an equaliser in the 12th minute when Murillo’s free kick deflected off the wall and found the back of the net. However, the setback did little to disrupt Ancelotti’s side, who continued to dominate the play. In the 23rd minute, a quick combination between Vinicius Júnior and Raphinha nearly restored Brazil’s lead, but Raphinha’s strike from inside the box hit the side netting.

Carlo Ancelotti completes his 11th match as Brazil head coach
Photo credit: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

Brazil reclaimed the advantage in the 38th minute. Alex Sandro delivered a precise ball to Vinicius Júnior on the left wing. Displaying his trademark flair, Vinicius beat two defenders before sending in a cross-shot that Casemiro nodded past the goalkeeper. After a brief VAR review, the goal stood, making it 2-1 to Brazil. Moments later, Raphinha came close again, narrowly missing the target in the 42nd minute following a slick passing move involving Matheus Cunha, Vinicius Júnior, and Bruno Guimarães.

For the second half, Ancelotti executed the planned mass substitution, fielding almost an entirely new lineup except for centre-back Léo Pereira, who continued as the defensive anchor.

Igor Thiago adds another goal for Brazil
Photo credit: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

The reshuffled Brazilian side maintained complete control and extended their lead early in the second half. In the 7th minute, Panama’s goalkeeper misjudged a clearance under pressure and passed directly to Rayan, who struck an outstanding long-range goal from the right side to make it 3-1. Seven minutes later, Lucas Paquetá finished off a fluid attacking move to score Brazil’s fourth. Just two minutes after that, Igor Thiago converted from the penalty spot, pushing the scoreline to 5-1.

In the closing stages, Danilo Santos added the sixth after a lovely through ball from Paquetá, finishing smoothly past Mosquera. Panama managed a consolation goal through Harvey in the 38th minute of the second half, wrapping up the match at 6-2 in Brazil’s favour.

BRAZIL 6 X 2 PANAMA – INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY

Venue: Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro
Date and Time: 31 May 2026, 6:30 p.m.

Brazil lineup: Alisson (Ederson); Wesley (Ibañez), Bremer (Douglas Santos), Léo Pereira, Alex Sandro (Rayan); Casemiro (Fabinho), Bruno Guimarães (Danilo), Luiz Henrique (Danilo Santos), Vinicius Júnior (Endrick), Raphinha (Igor Thiago); Matheus Cunha (Lucas Paquetá).
Head Coach: Carlo Ancelotti.

Panama lineup: Mosquera; Murillo (Iván Anderson), Escobar (Jiovany Ramos), Córdoba (Fariña), Andrés Andrade (Miller); Harvey (Cristian Martínez), Blackman (Kadir), José Rodriguez (Tomás Rodríguez); Bárcenas (Davis), Waterman (Fajardo), Ismael Diáz.
Head Coach: Thomas Christiansen.

Yellow Card: Blackman (Panama)
Red Card: None
Goals: Vinicius Júnior (1’ 1st half), Murillo (13’ 1st half), Casemiro (38’ 1st half), Rayan (7’ 2nd half), Lucas Paquetá (14’ 2nd half), Igor Thiago (17’ 2nd half), Danilo Santos (35’ 2nd half), Harvey (38’ 2nd half)

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence.