Vinícius Jr. leads Brazil in Neymar’s absence

Brazil will clash against Senegal’s Lions of Teranga this Saturday, November 15, in a crucial test as the World Cup approaches. Coach Carlo Ancelotti is beginning to shape the core of his squad and has intensified training sessions to ensure players from Brazil’s domestic league and smaller international clubs reach the same fitness levels as those competing in Europe’s top five leagues — the Premier League, LaLiga, Ligue 1, Bundesliga, and Serie A.

With Neymar sidelined due to injury, Ancelotti has handed Vinícius Jr. the task of leading the attack — using his explosive speed and creativity to unsettle defenses. The Real Madrid star even hinted he might take on a new position for this match.

“This will be a very intense game, requiring strength and speed. African teams dominate physically — we’ll have to match that and add our quality,” Vinícius said.

Senegal sharpens for AFCON under Pape Thiaw

On the other side, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw knows his side will face a Brazil lineup that could closely resemble its World Cup starting eleven. Of the 27 players he called up, only four play outside of Europe, making Senegal’s squad largely European-based as well.

Thiaw will use this match to test new talent — including 20-year-old center-back Mamadou Sarr from Strasbourg and 17-year-old winger Ibrahim Mbaye from PSG — alongside his established leader, Sadio Mané, who famously guided Senegal to a 4–2 win over Brazil in a 2019 friendly in Lisbon.

For Senegal, this serves as the perfect tune-up for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, kicking off December 21, which you can watch exclusively on beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS en Español.

For Brazil, beyond revenge, it’s a crucial step toward finding the perfect blend of talent, balance, and rhythm to conquer the world once again.

Don’t miss it — Brazil vs Senegal, live from Emirates Stadium in London, this Saturday, November 15, at 11AM ET / 8AM PT, only on beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS en Español.