Casemiro Leads Brazil Against South Korea: Surprising Lineups Revealed Moments Before Kickoff

Today’s friendly in Seoul pits Brazil against South Korea in a match bristling with anticipation—and Carlo Ancelotti has entrusted Manchester United’s midfield maestro Casemiro with the captain’s armband. Both teams, already clutching their tickets to the 2026 World Cup, are using this occasion to sharpen their lineups and test strategies. Adding to the intrigue, Casemiro’s United compatriot Matheus Cunha will spearhead Brazil’s attack, promising sparks in the final third. With South Korea eager to overturn a daunting recent record against the Samba Boys, and Brazil aiming to build momentum toward their quest for a sixth World Cup trophy next summer in the USA, this encounter is far from just a routine friendly—it’s a fascinating chess match on the pitch. LEARN MORE

Brazil take on South Korea in a friendly in Seoul this afternoon and Carlo Ancelotti has named Manchester United midfielder Casemiro as his captain.

Both sides have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup and can fine tune their selections accordingly.

United team-mate Matheus Cunha also starts in attack.

South Korea team news

South Korea have lost just once in their laast 19 games but have lost seven of the last eight meetings with Brazil. A home win would certainly go down well in Seoul.

Former Tottenham forward Son Heuung-min leads the line after his excellent start to life at LAFC.

South Korea: Jo, Ju-Seong Kim, Min-Jae Kim, In-Beom Hwang, Son, Paik, Jae-Sung Lee, Tae-Seok Lee, Cho, Kang-In Lee, Seol.

Subs: Seung-Gyu Kim, Myung-Jae Lee, Oh, Hee-Chan Hwang, Song, Moon-Hwan Kim, Park, Eom, Dong-yeong Lee, Han-Beom Lee, Castrop, Ji-Soo Kim, Jeong.

Brazil team news

Brazil are looking to lift the trophy for a sixth time in the USA next year and repeat their win of 1994.

Ancelotti has picked familiar faces in Real Madrid duo Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo either side of Cuunha, while Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes also starts.

Brazil: Bento, Vitinho, Eder Militao, Gabriel, Douglas Santos, Casemiro, Guimaraes, Estevao, Cunha, Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior.
Subs: Hugo Souza, John Victor, Richarlison, Lucas Paqueta, Henrique, Ganso, Fabricio Bruno, Lucas Beraldo, Joelinton, Andre Trindade, Luiz Henrique, Martinelli, Carlos Augusto, Joao Gomes, Igor Jesus.