With Vinícius Júnior back from injury, Brazil are the overwhelming favorites to take all three points against Venezuela.

After a shaky start, Brazil currently sit fourth out of the ten CONMEBOL teams vying for a spot at the 2026 World Cup. The Seleção earned 16 points in their first ten matches and ended the October international break with wins over Chile and Peru.

The Dorival Júnior team is now preparing for Venezuela, a team that has not won a match since June. However, La Vinotinto poses a bigger threat than some might expect; the hosts managed to draw against both Uruguay and Argentina, two sides who defeated Brazil in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Brazil will also have to do without Rodrygo, Éder Militão, Alisson and Bremer due to injuries. Both Bremer and Militão suffered ACL injuries, while Rodrygo is sidelined with a muscle injury in his left leg. Alisson, meanwhile, is still struggling with a hamstring injury he sustained on October 5.

The good news is that Vinícius Júnior is back with the team after missing October. The winger has already scored 12 goals for Real Madrid in all competitions this season and will look to take advantage of a weakened Venezuelan backline.

This is what Brazil’s XI could look like against Venezuela.

GK: Ederson—The Manchester City man is back between the posts for Brazil as Alisson recovers from a hamstring injury.

RB: Vanderson—The defender impressed against Peru on the right flank and could make his second consecutive start against Danilo.

CB: Marquinhos—The 30-year-old is the leader of Brazil’s defense and will have the tough task of keeping Salomón Rondón off the scoresheet.

CB: GabrielWith Militão out for the season, Dorival Júnior will rely on Gabriel to strengthen the backline alongside Marquinhos.

LB: Abner—Abner may only have two senior caps to his name, but the Lyon defender earned his place on the left flank after joining Brazil in October. The left back had the most tackles and won the most duels against Peru.

DM: Bruno Guimaraes—The Newcastle United man is the insurance policy for his backline. He will look to intercept and disrupt players before they break through Brazil’s final third.

DM: Gerson—The 27-year-old made his mark against Peru by winning 100% of his ground and aerial matches.

RW: SavinhoExpect Savinho to be given the right wing spot now that the 20-year-old has fully recovered from his ankle injury.

AM: Raphinha—Raphinha is the latest player to wear the iconic number 10 shirt for Brazil. The 27-year-old scored a Brace against Peru and comes into the game with 12 goals for Barcelona in all competitions this season.

LW: Vinicius Junior—After missing Brazil’s last two matches due to injury, Vinícius Júnior is back with the team and scores a hat-trick for Real Madrid against Osasuna.

ST: Igor Jesus—The striker will once again be in charge for Brazil after scoring a goal and an assist in his first two caps for the team.

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