Brazil thrashes Panama 6-2 at Maracana in final 2026 FIFA World Cup warmup

Carlo Ancelotti’s side showcased their immense attacking depth in Rio de Janeiro, sealing a comfortable victory over Los Canaleros before departing for the United States.

Photo: REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

The Brazilian national team secured a festive and emphatic send-off in front of their home fans before traveling to North America for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti’s side dispelled some of the lingering doubts from their recent CONMEBOL qualification campaign, defeating Panama 6-2 in front of over 72,000 spectators at a packed Maracana Stadium. The sheer attacking depth of the Canarinha’s second-half substitutions ultimately overwhelmed the Central American side.

The match began at a frantic pace, with Brazil finding the back of the net before the opening minute concluded. Following a midfield recovery by Casemiro deep in Panamanian territory, Vinicius Junior received the assist and finished clinical at the 58-second mark to make it 1-0. Despite the early setback, Thomas Christiansen’s men responded with composure, capitalizing on a set-piece opportunity in the 14th minute. A free kick struck by Michael Amir Murillo took a significant deflection off the defensive wall, leaving goalkeeper Alisson Becker completely stranded to level the score. 

However, Brazil restored their advantage in the 39th minute when a brilliant individual run down the flank by Vinicius resulted in a precise cross that Casemiro headed home, sending the teams into the break at 2-1.

Ancelotti overhauled his lineup for the second half, making ten tactical substitutions to manage player fitness. Brazil's offensive intensity remained high, and their aggressive high press forced a defensive turnover from the visitors, allowing Rayan to finish cleanly in the 53rd minute for the third goal. Just seven minutes later, Lucas Paqueta slotted a left-footed strike inside the box to extend the lead to 4-1.

Panama’s defensive shape collapsed shortly after, conceding a penalty kick in the 63rd minute that Igor Thiago confidently converted. The definitive highlight of the afternoon arrived in the 81st minute when veteran defender Danilo executed a series of juggling controls inside the penalty area before beating the goalkeeper to register Brazil's sixth goal. 

Panamanian midfielder Carlos Harvey pulled one back in the 84th minute with a powerful right-footed strike from long range to cap off the 6-2 scoreline. Brazil will depart for the United States on Monday, fully focused on their tournament opener against Morocco on June 13 in New York.