Brazil coach Ancelotti tests Paquetá, Igor Thiago and Endrick ahead of World Cup debut

Italy’s Carlos Ancelotti said Brazil will try Lucas Paquetá and Igor Thiago as starters in the squad’s final friendly against Egypt on June 6 at Cleveland’s Huntington Bank Field. The match follows Brazil’s 6‑2 win over Panama, and the coach also plans to start left‑back Douglas Santos and keep Gabriel Magalhães rested after his Champions League final appearance. Neymar will miss the game as he continues calf‑injury treatment in New Jersey.

A separate analysis notes that the next week’s World Cup opener against Morocco on June 13 leaves Ancelotti still undecided between Igor Thiago and teenager Endrick for the attacking quartet that already includes Vini Jr., Raphinha and Matheus Cunha. The coach is expected to retain his four‑forward system, using the Egypt friendly as a final tactical trial.