Brazil Predicted Lineup vs. Paraguay: Raphinha Returns to Spark the Selecao
Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil side will look to secure their first victory under the Italian manager when they take on Paraguay in a 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying match. The Selecao’s debut under Ancelotti ended in a goalless draw against Ecuador, and the manager will be eager to improve on that performance.
According to OneFootball.com, the return of Raphinha from suspension is a major boost for Brazil. The winger, who recorded 56 goal contributions in 57 appearances for Barcelona under Hansi Flick last season, is expected to start against Paraguay.
The Selecao hosts Paraguay in the second of its two June 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying matches. The last time the two sides faced off, Paraguay walked away with a 1–0 victory. La Albirroja comes into the fixture on a nine-match unbeaten streak.
In goal, OneFootball.com predicts that Alisson will start. The Liverpool keeper did not have much to do against Ecuador, but he will hope to keep back-to-back clean sheets for the Selecao.
The backline is expected to consist of Vanderson at right-back, Marquinhos and Alexsandro Ribeiro as the centre-back pairing, and Alex Sandro at left-back. Vanderson emerged as Brazil’s starting right back under Dorival Junior and has kept his place in the XI under Ancelotti. Marquinhos starred for Paris Saint-Germain in their historic quadruple-winning 2024–25 campaign and will lead Brazil’s backline.
OneFootball.com also reports that the midfield trio will consist of Bruno Guimarães, Casemiro, and Gerson. Guimarães helped Newcastle United end their 56-year trophy drought this past season and will be one of Ancelotti’s most important players moving forward. Casemiro returned to international action for the first time in two years against Ecuador and won the most duels (10) and made the most tackles (5) in the match.
The attacking trio is predicted to be Raphinha on the right wing, Matheus Cunha up front, and VinÃcius Júnior on the left wing. Cunha will look to build on his performance against Ecuador, although he has just one career goal in his 14 appearances for Brazil. VinÃcius Júnior has yet to truly translate his club performances to his national team, and it is up to Ancelotti to help the 24-year-old reach his full potential.
As per OneFootball.com, Brazil’s predicted lineup against Paraguay is as follows:
GK: Alisson
RB: Vanderson
CB: Marquinhos
CB: Alexsandro Ribeiro
LB: Alex Sandro
CM: Bruno Guimarães
CM: Casemiro
CM: Gerson
RW: Raphinha
ST: Matheus Cunha
LW: VinÃcius Júnior
The Selecao will be looking to secure their first victory under Ancelotti and make a statement in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying campaign. With Raphinha back in the squad, Brazil will be hoping to make a positive impact against Paraguay.
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