Brazil vs Bolivia prediction, odds, betting tips and best bets for September World Cup qualifier
Brazil head coach Fernando Diniz makes his competitive debut as the Selecao begin 2026 World Cup qualification with a home match against Bolivia on Friday.
Diniz will not have the services of Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr, who was withdrawn from the squad due to injury and replaced by Raphinha. It's also unclear whether Neymar will be available, as the former PSG forward has yet to debut for his new Saudi club Al Hilal but is in the Brazil squad and trained with the team.
Brazil made a coaching change following a quarterfinal exit from the 2022 World Cup, seeing Tite depart and bringing in Diniz on an interim basis. Diniz is serving double duty, leading Brazil while also remaining in charge of Serie A club Fluminense.
It is expected that Carlo Ancelotti will take over for Brazil at the end of the club season, as he has reportedly struck a deal to make the switch once his Real Madrid contract expires next June.
Fixture schedule and standings for CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying
Brazil have not lost to Bolivia since a shock 2-1 defeat in 2009, a run of six matches unbeaten that includes five wins and a scoreless draw, with Brazil out-scoring Bolivia 21-0 across that span.
There's no doubt that Brazil, who beat Bolivia 4-0 and 5-0 in their two qualifiers in the previous World Cup cycle, will almost surely come away with the win in this match. What could be debated is their margin of victory, given that Vinicius Jr, Antony, Lucas Paqueta, and Eder Militao are all out of the picture due to injury or other issues, and both Neymar and Gabriel Jesus are in the midst of their recovery.
There's no debating that this Brazil team is far and away better than Bolivia, but missing a number of key talented players, this squad just doesn't
Read on sportingnews.com
