Brazil vs Uruguay Prediction & Betting Tips (20 November)

Brazil participated in the last Copa America, but were eliminated in the quarter-finals by James Rodriguez's Colombia. Since their victory in the Copa America in 2021, the Brazilian selection, nicknamed the Canarinha, has been going through a difficult period and is struggling to seduce its audience. In October, however, they restored hope by beating Chile 2-1 and crushing Peru 4-0 in Brasilia. Currently, Brazil is in 4th place in qualifying, but remains 5 points behind leader Argentina. This situation is partly explained by a draw against Venezuela 1-1 during the first match of this international break.

Uruguay, which finished 3rd at the last Copa America, is aiming to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, a completely achievable goal. Currently 2nd in the rankings, Celeste recently scored an impressive victory against Colombia 3-2. However, his career was marked by mixed performances: draws against Paraguay and Venezuela 0-0 each, a defeat against Peru 1-0, and another draw against Ecuador 0-0 at home. Despite these irregular results, Uruguay remains well positioned, just behind Argentina, and confident about its qualification. 

The Brazilian president wanted only players playing in Brazil to be selected, but La Liga stars such as Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and Raphinha still feature in the squad, the latter having scored a brace against Peru during the break international. However, two Real Madrid players, Militao and Rodrygo, are currently injured. Other players playing in Europe such as Savinho (Manchester City) and four Premier League midfielders – Paqueta (West Ham), Guimaraes (Newcastle), André (Wolverhampton) and Andreas Pereira (Fulham) – complete the squad. In defense, Ligue 1 is represented by Marquinhos (PSG) , Vanderson (Monaco) and Abner (Lyon). Several players are absent for various reasons: injuries, choice of coach or lack of playing time, including Alisson, Casemiro , Martinelli, and Richarlison. Defender Araujo (Barcelona) is still absent for Uruguay, being injured .

The team, led by Marcelo Bielsa, must also do without experienced midfielders Arrascaeta (Flamengo, 53 caps, 10 goals) and de la Cruz (Flamengo, 32 caps, 5 goals). In addition, icon Luis Suarez , author of 69 goals in 143 caps, recently retired from international football in September. Despite these notable absences, Uruguay retains solid assets, particularly in defense with Gimenez (Atlético Madrid, 91 caps) and Olivera (Naples, 24 caps). The midfield remains competitive thanks to Valverde (Real Madrid, 66 caps, 7 goals) , Betancur (Tottenham, 66 caps, 3 goals), and Ugarte (Manchester United, 27 caps), who recently scored against Colombia. In attack, Darwin Nunez (Liverpool) will be one to watch closely, with his 13 goals in 32 caps.