Brazil and Croatia Set for Orlando Friendly as World Cup Build Up Begins

Image: Brazil vs. Croatia match — source: YouTube (i.ytimg.com)

The countdown to the 2026 World Cup has officially begun in the United States, and one of the most anticipated warm‑up matches will take place in Orlando. Brazil and Croatia face off on March 31, and the Brazilian Consulate‑General in Orlando is giving local Brazilian residents the chance to win two free tickets to watch the game live.

A Major Friendly in Florida’s Biggest Stadium

The Consulate‑General and Road 26 are partnering to send two lucky fans to the match, one of the key fixtures in Brazil’s preparation for the 2026 World Cup.

João Lucas Quental Novaes de Almeida, Brazil’s Consul‑General in Orlando, emphasized the importance of engaging the local community:

“We want Brazilians living in Florida to feel part of this moment. The raffle is our way of inviting everyone to support the Seleção here in Orlando.”

On March 31 at 8 p.m., Brazil and Croatia will take the field at Camping World Stadium, one of Florida’s largest sports venues. Croatia arrives as a powerhouse: 10th in the FIFA ranking, runner‑up in 2018, third place in 2022, and the team responsible for eliminating Brazil in the last World Cup in Qatar.

For Brazil, the match carries a tone of revenge and preparation. It will be the team’s second friendly of the March window—five days earlier, the Seleção faces France in Boston. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has made it clear that the strategy is to test the squad against top European opponents ahead of the 2026 tournament.

Orlando Becomes Brazil’s Base for the FIFA Window

The match is part of the Road to 26 international series, which brings major national teams to U.S. stadiums as the country prepares to host the World Cup. Orlando was chosen as Brazil’s base for this FIFA window, with training sessions scheduled at the ESPN Complex and strong support from the state’s large Brazilian community.

Official ticket prices range from $79 to $279, but the consulate’s raffle will give two residents the chance to attend without spending anything. The drawing will take place on March 20.

A Region Ready for Fans

Beyond the match itself, the Orlando area continues to expand its entertainment offerings for visitors. From theme parks to cultural districts, the region is preparing for a busy tourism season as soccer fans from around the world begin turning their attention to the U.S. ahead of 2026.

Consul‑General João Lucas Quental Novaes de Almeida reinforced the invitation:

“We hope to see the Brazilian community filling the stands and showing the strength of our support here in Florida.”