Brazil beat Egypt 2-1 in Cleveland friendly ahead of World Cup 2026
Brazil beat Egypt 2-1 in a World Cup warm-up in Cleveland, with Bruno Guimarães and Endrick on target while Mustafa Abdel-Raouf scored for Egypt. Mustafa Shobeir stood out in goal.
Early strike gives Brazil the lead
Bruno Guimarães opened the scoring early to put Brazil ahead in the friendly at Huntington Bank Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. The goal set the tone as both teams used the match to finalize preparations ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Brazil dominated possession in the opening stages and created several scoring opportunities, forcing Egypt into defensive adjustments. The early strike allowed the South Americans to manage the tempo and test different tactical shapes.
Egypt respond through Abdel-Raouf
Egypt levelled in the 11th minute when Mustafa Abdel-Raouf, known as Ziko, converted to make it 1-1 and mark his second international goal. Abdel-Raouf’s intervention gave Egypt a significant boost and highlighted the team’s attacking options ahead of the tournament.
The goal came after a period of pressure from Egypt, who sought to exploit quick transitions and movement in the final third. That early response kept the contest open and underscored Egypt’s intent to compete against high-quality opposition.
Second-half substitute Endrick secures the win
Endrick scored in the second half to restore Brazil’s lead and eventually settle the game at 2-1. His finish capped a period in which Brazil increased their intensity and tested Egypt’s back line more frequently.
The goal reflected Brazil’s depth and ability to impact matches with younger squad members, a key element for coach selection heading into the World Cup. Endrick’s contribution will be noted by coaching staff and supporters as the tournament approaches.
Mustafa Shobeir’s goalkeeping defends Egypt’s chances
Egypt owed much to goalkeeper Mustafa Shobeir, who produced several important saves, particularly in the first half. His interventions kept the score level for long stretches and demonstrated why he is trusted in goal for Egypt.
Shobeir’s performance was a defensive anchor as the team adjusted shape and tightened marking in the second half. The keeper’s form offers a confidence boost for Egypt’s staff as they prepare for a challenging World Cup group.
Tactical adjustments and match management
Both coaches used the game to test formations and personnel with the World Cup schedule imminent. Brazil showed flexibility in attack and patience in build-up play, while Egypt shifted toward a more compact defensive block as the match progressed.
Substitutions influenced momentum, with Brazil’s changes increasing pace and directness in the final third. Egypt’s second-half organisation reduced high-quality chances, but Brazil’s finishing edge ultimately decided the result.
World Cup fixtures and immediate next steps
Egypt will open their 2026 World Cup campaign against Belgium on June 15, before facing New Zealand and Iran in Group G. The squad will take lessons from Cleveland as it finalises roles and rotations for the group stage.
Brazil begin their Group C schedule against Morocco and will also face Haiti and Scotland. Both teams now head into the final days of preparation, using the friendly to sharpen match fitness and tactical plans.
The result provides Brazil with a final confidence-building win and leaves Egypt with areas to refine, particularly in converting periods of possession into sustained attacking pressure.
