Brazil head coach Fernando Diniz makes his competitive debut as the Selecao begin 2026 World Cup qualification with a home match against Bolivia on Friday.
Diniz will not have the services of Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr, who was withdrawn from the squad due to injury and replaced by Raphinha. It's also unclear whether Neymar will be available, as the former PSG forward has yet to debut for his new Saudi club Al Hilal but is in the Brazil squad and trained with the team.
Brazil made a coaching change following a quarterfinal exit from the 2022 World Cup, seeing Tite depart and bringing in Diniz on an interim basis. Diniz is serving double duty, leading Brazil while also remaining in charge of Serie A club Fluminense.
It is expected that Carlo Ancelotti will take over for Brazil at the end of the club season, as he has reportedly struck a deal to make the switch once his Real Madrid contract expires next June.
MORE: Fixture schedule and standings for CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying
Brazil vs Bolivia match facts
- Date: Saturday, September 9, 2023
- Kickoff Time: 1:45 a.m. BST
- Location: Mangueirao (Belem, Brazil)
- Official: Juan Benitez (PAR)
- Last meeting: Bolivia 0-4 Brazil (Mar. 29, 2022 | CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying)
Brazil vs Bolivia prediction, odds
- Moneyline lean: Brazil (1/40)
- Handicap lean: Bolivia +3.5 (19/20)
- Score prediction: Brazil 3-0 Bolivia
Brazil have not lost to Bolivia since a shock 2-1 defeat in 2009, a run of six matches unbeaten that includes five wins and a scoreless draw, with Brazil out-scoring Bolivia 21-0 across that span.
There's no doubt that Brazil, who beat Bolivia 4-0 and 5-0 in their two qualifiers in the previous World Cup cycle, will almost surely come away with the win in this match. What could be debated is their margin of victory, given that Vinicius Jr, Antony, Lucas Paqueta, and Eder Militao are all out of the picture due to injury or other issues, and both Neymar and Gabriel Jesus are in the midst of their recovery.
| BetOnSports (UK) | |
| Brazil win | 1/40 |
| Draw | 20/1 |
| Bolivia win | 40/1 |
| Both teams to score Y / N | 17/10, 19/50 |
| Over / Under 4.5 goals | 1/1, 5/6 |
| BRA -3.5 | 17/20 |
| BOL +3.5 | 19/20 |
Brazil vs Bolivia: best bet
- Pick: Brazil under 3.5 goals
- Odds: 5/4 (BetOnSports)
There's no debating that this Brazil team is far and away better than Bolivia, but missing a number of key talented players, this squad just doesn't sport the same explosiveness that a full-strength Brazil side normally would.
Vinicius Jr is out, Neymar and Gabriel Jesus are more than likely not fit to play a full 90 minutes, and both Lucas Paqueta and Antony have been withdrawn from the squad due to legal troubles. That leaves Gabriel Martinelli, Rodrygo, Richarlison, Matheus Cunha, and Raphinha to play the bulk of the match.
Those are exceptional players, of course, but they don't pack quite the same punch.
Brazil vs Bolivia prop bet
- Pick: Half with most goals — 2H
- Odds: 10/13 (BetOnSports)
Brazil will surely walk away as winners in this uneven match, but they might have to wait until the second half for the goals to flow. Even if they get to cash in on a few early strikes, Brazil will surely look to tack on late, as this country has never shied away from a lopsided scoresheet.
In the 4-0 victory over Bolivia last time these two teams met, Brazil bagged two goals in each half, but it took until the 45th minute to grab a second. The second half saw more goals in the 5-0 Brazil win in the reverse qualifying fixture, and they bagged all three goals in their 2019 Copa America meeting after halftime in a 3-0 Brazil victory.
Given that it's unlikely Brazil will risk Neymar or Gabriel Jesus from the start, thanks to their less-than-full fitness levels, those two could also come on late and add an extra punch to the second half, increasing the value of this pick.
Brazil vs Bolivia live stream, TV channel
Thanks to a late agreement, this match will be televised and streamed in the United States. It will be shown on Telemundo, which is available to Fubo subscribers, and streamed via ViX.
However, it is not presently due to be shown in many other territories including Canada, the UK, Australia, or India.
