On the last day of the 2022 World Cup group stage, Brazil will find out whether it finishes first or second in Group G — and will know its first knockout opponent.
The day begins with the conclusion of Group H. With two wins, Portugal has already guaranteed qualification and can clinch the group’s first position with a draw against South Korea. Meanwhile, Ghana and Uruguay face off for a place in the next round. All four teams can qualify, depending on different combinations of results.
How Group H plays out will determine who Brazil will face in the last 16. The five-time champions play Cameroon (4 pm, Brazilian time), while Serbia and Switzerland square off simultaneously. Brazil have already qualified, and the remaining spot is up for grabs among the three remaining teams.
Facing Brazil, Cameroon have the toughest path to the last 16. They will have to defeat the five-time world champions and hope that Switzerland do not beat Serbia. The former is certainly the tallest ask, as Brazil have yet to concede a goal in the tournament.
There is hope for the Cameroonians, however, as Brazil will play today’s game with an entirely second-string 11. Already qualified for the next round, coach Tite is using the Cameroon match as a chance to rest his starters and rotate his squad. The team has already suffered three injuries since the start of the tournament and hopes to avoid any further call-offs.
Brazil will kick off with Ederson in goal, Daniel Alves, Militão, Bremer, and Alex Telles across the back line, Fabinho, and Fred in central midfield, and an attacking quartet of Rodrygo, Antony, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus. None of the 11 started Brazil’s opener against Serbia.
Brazil will certainly qualify in first position by avoiding defeat, while only a loss and a specific goal difference swing to Switzerland would see them drop to second.
For the last 16 round, first place in Group G faces second place in Group H, and vice versa. Therefore, winning the group is preferable, as they would likely avoid playing the also-unbeaten Portugal early on in the World Cup knockouts.
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