brasil x frança — Carlo Ancelotti tested a new central defensive pairing in training as Brazil prepares to face France on Thursday in Boston; Ibañez was introduced into the starting eleven in Orlando and looks set to partner Léo Pereira. The coach broadened options after Marquinhos suffered a hip problem, prioritizing pace and ball progression at the back. The move leaves a probable XI that mixes confirmed defenders with the same attacking quartet used to secure World Cup qualification.
Brasil X França: Ancelotti’s defensive gamble
In the final large training session ahead of the Data FIFA fixture, Ancelotti worked with a reserve-dominated squad to evaluate backup options for the tournament roster. Wesley, Douglas Santos and Léo Pereira were already confirmed in the defensive line; Ancelotti added Ibañez — the Al-Ahly number 3 — into the starting mix at the Orlando session, elevating him as the favorite to form a centre-back partnership with Flamengo’s Léo Pereira for the Brasil x frança match.
Marquinhos’s hip injury prompted the coach to experiment with multiple permutations at centre back. Ibañez had been selected earlier in the week during a Tuesday activity, and training continuity reinforced that choice on the eve of the clash. The reported rationale in the session emphasized Ibañez’s speed to handle French forwards and his capacity to help the team exit from the back with the ball.
With the defensive unit largely settled in training, Ancelotti paired Casemiro and Andrey Santos as the double pivot. The offensive quartet named in practice mirrors the group used in the qualifying victory that secured a World Cup berth: Gabriel Martinelli, Raphinha, Vinícius Júnior and Matheus Cunha.
From the training form, the likely starting XI called up for the match is Éderson in goal, a back four of Wesley, Ibañez, Léo Pereira and Douglas Santos; Casemiro and Andrey Santos in midfield; and Martinelli, Raphinha, Vinícius Júnior and Matheus Cunha up front.
Immediate reactions from the staff and squad
Carlo Ancelotti, head coach of the Brazilian national team, emphasized the need for flexibility in central defence after the hip issue with Marquinhos and used the session to test speed-focused pairing options. Team staff highlighted the decision to give Ibañez extended runs in training because of his ability to combine pace with ball progression from deep positions. Players named in the session — including Casemiro and the attacking quartet — remained in the group that secured qualification, signaling continuity in Brazil’s tactical core ahead of the fixture.
What’s next
The Brasil x frança match is scheduled to kick off at 4: 00 p. m. ET on Thursday, giving Ancelotti one final match-level test before the squad closes this Data FIFA window. After the France meeting, Brazil will complete its international slate against Croatia at 8: 00 p. m. ET on March 31. Lineup confirmation will arrive at kick-off, but training indications make Ibañez the front-runner to start alongside Léo Pereira as Brazil seeks a defensive balance capable of matching France’s pace while maintaining ball control.
