Brazilian clubs Bahia and Cruzeiro face Uruguayan sides in pre‑Copa 2026 friendlies

On Saturday, July 4, Brazilian Serie A clubs are playing friendly matches against Uruguayan opponents as part of their preparation for the Serie A resumption and the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Bahia host Montevideo City Torque at Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador, giving coach Rogério Ceni a chance to showcase new signings such as Spanish midfielder Marco Moreno and Argentine forward Alejo Véliz. Cruzeiro travel to the Arena Independência in Belo Horizonte to meet Defensor Sporting, with most of their regular squad available despite a few injuries. The fixtures provide both teams with match fitness after a month‑long break.

Other Brazilian clubs, including Grêmio and Santos, are also scheduled for friendlies on the same day, though details of their opponents were not disclosed in the source.