Brazil vs. Uruguay lineups, expected starting 11, confirmed team news and injuries: Will Dorival make changes for huge World Cup qualifying game?

Brazil face Uruguay in Bahia on Tuesday in a game that could prove pivotal in their bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

The Selecao sit fourth in the CONMEBOL standings after five wins, four losses and two draws in their 11 qualifiers to date. A top-six finish is required to guarantee a place at the finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico, so there is no reason to panic over their performances yet.

However, fans are growing frustrated over their inconsistency, with the 1-1 draw against Venezuela last week leaving them in a potentially difficult position when you consider that their next three opponents in the qualification cycle — Uruguay this week, then Colombia and Argentina in March 2025 — are the current top three in the South American table.

The pressure is on coach Dorival Junior to mastermind a positive result against Marcelo Bielsa's team, so it will be interesting to see how many changes he will make to his lineup.

The Sporting News looks at the latest team news and predicted starting 11s below.

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Brazil vs. Uruguay lineups, predicted starting 11, team news

Dorival is not expected to make wholesale changes to his starting lineup for this game, having only made one alteration from October's 4-0 victory over Peru for the meeting with Venezuela.

One enforced change will come at right-back, with the suspended Vanderson expected to be replaced by Danilo.

With the likes of Neymar and Rodrygo missing through injury, the onus is on Raphinha, Vinicius Junior, and Manchester City's Savinho to provide the creative spark in attack.

Brazil predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Ederson (GK) — Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Abner — Guimaraes, Gerson, Raphinha — Vinicius, Igor Jesus, Savinho

Injured: Alisson, Arana, Beraldo, Bremer, Bruno, Eder Militao, Neymar, Rodrygo
Suspended: Vanderson

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For Uruguay, Darwin Nunez will lead the attack again after seeing his five-game international ban reduced on appeal.

Manchester United's Manuel Ugarte could come in to shore up the midfield against a Brazil side expected to have more of the ball — particularly given his match-winning heroics against Colombia last time out.

Uruguay predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Rochet (GK) — Varela, S Bueno, Gimenez, Olivera — Valverde, Ugarte, Bentancur — Pellistri, Nunez, M. Araujo.

Injured: None
Suspended: None

Brazil vs. Uruguay live stream, TV channel

Here's how to watch this World Cup qualifying match across selected areas of the world's major regions: