Brazil have gained plenty of confidence ahead of the 2026 World Cup after thrashing Panama 6-2 in the first of two warm-up games.

Vinicius Junior got the rout underway at the Maracana inside just two minutes, picking out the top-left corner from outside the box, but Panama were level in the 15th minute when Amir Murillo's free-kick was inadvertently turned into his own net by Matheus Cunha.

Nevertheless, Carlo Ancelotti's side were back ahead before half-time as Casemiro headed in from Vinicius' cross after brilliant work on the left wing from the Real Madrid forward.

Brazil wrapped up victory in a 10-minute spell in the second half which saw three goals; Rayan scored his first goal for the national team in the 53rd minute after Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera was closed down by Igor Thiago, allowing Rayan to score into an unguarded net.

Paqueta added a fourth for the Selecao as his strike was deflected in off Jose Cordoba, while Thiago made it 5-1 after drawing a foul off Mosquera and dispatching the resulting penalty.

There was still time for two more goals late on, with Danilo showing great composure to score Brazil's sixth before Carlos Harvey grabbed a consolation goal for Panama with a stunning strike from distance. 

Data Debrief: Brazil find their rhythm

After just one win in their previous three international friendlies (D1 L1), Brazil have now gained some much-needed momentum ahead of their World Cup opener on June 13 against Morocco, though they will face Egypt in another friendly before the tournament kicks off.

It was a routine win for Ancelotti's men against Panama, with Brazil producing 3.46 expected goals (xG) from 20 shots to Panama's 0.56 from 16 attempts.

Vinicius, Thiago, Casemiro and Paqueta all contributed with a goal and an assist, while the latter also created a match-high four chances and completed 95.2% of his passes (40/42), the highest of any Brazil player.