With seven months to go before the 2026 World Cup, the Brazil national team left worrying signs in Lille after a 1–1 draw against Tunisia, in a friendly marked by cold weather, rain and an inconsistent performance from the South American side. A penalty scored by Estevão salvaged the result, while Lucas Paquetá missed a decisive spot-kick in the final stages.

Tunisia Strike First as Brazil Struggle Defensively

The match began with a sluggish and uninspired Brazil, while Tunisia, energized by a supportive crowd, played with intensity and confidence. Full-back Abdi forced the first save from goalkeeper Bento, and alongside Hannibal, led quick counterattacks that repeatedly unsettled the Brazilian defense.

The left flank quickly became Brazil’s weak point. Full-back Wesley was repeatedly exposed by Abdi, and a misplaced touch from him triggered the opening goal. Abdi carried the ball into the final third and delivered a precise pass that left Mastouri one-on-one to finish across goal in the 23rd minute.

The strike stunned Brazil, who only threatened through brief flashes from Rodrygo and Estevão, while Vinícius Júnior remained largely invisible. Tunisia maintained their pressure with an aggressive, well-structured defensive setup that frustrated Ancelotti’s side.

Estevão Shifts the Momentum, but Brazil Fail to Finish

Fortune finally favored Brazil five minutes before halftime. After a collision between Militão and Bronn, the ball struck the defender’s arm, prompting a VAR-confirmed penalty. Estevão, showing confidence, took the ball and fired powerfully to level the match.

Seeking answers, Carlo Ancelotti made unusual halftime adjustments, substituting Wesley and Matheus Cunha for Danilo and Vitor Roque, who has been in remarkable form with Palmeiras. The impact was immediate: Vini became more active, and Brazil gained more attacking presence, though still lacking precision in the final third.

Complications continued when Militão left the match due to a muscle injury, and although Brazil earned a second penalty after a clever move by Vitor Roque, the surprise came when Paquetá, who had just entered the match, decided to take the kick instead of Estevão. His attempt sailed over the crossbar in the 78th minute.

In the dying moments, Estevão appealed for another penalty that was not awarded, and he later struck the post with a dangerous effort, coming inches away from completing the comeback.