Brazil and Tunisia continued their build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 1-1 draw in Lille, as the Eagles of Carthage avoided defeat against the Selecao for the first time in history. Brazil came into this friendly on the back of a 2-0 victory over Senegal another African opponent but were unable to replicate that level of control this time around.
Softfootball earlier reported that Carlo Ancelotti had praised young sensation Estêvão before the match, admitting the teenager is special and capable of becoming a long-term pillar of the Selecao. And once again, the youngster delivered on that growing reputation.
The game itself lacked the headline appeal of other fixtures this international window, but for Tunisia, it represented an opportunity to land a statement result. Brazil dominated early and might have gone ahead through Estevao or Rodrygo, both of whom saw promising efforts blocked at decisive moments. But after weathering the early pressure, Tunisia settled and began to trouble Brazil in transition.
Their persistence was rewarded midway through the first half when Ali Abdi played in Hazem Mastouri, who coolly picked out the bottom corner to put Tunisia ahead.
Conceding seemed to jolt Brazil into action. Rodrygo came closest to an immediate equaliser with a superb free-kick that Aymen Dahmen tipped around the post. The breakthrough finally arrived minutes later when Dylan Bronn handled Estevao’s delivery in the box. The 18-year-old stepped up with confidence, sending Dahmen the wrong way to level the score.
Tunisia spent large phases without the ball but produced flashes of danger after the interval, most notably when Elias Saad unleashed a powerful 25-yard strike that fizzed inches wide. Saad continued to trouble Brazil’s defence, trying again from a free-kick only for Fabrício Bruno to make a brave block with his head.
As both teams rotated heavily, the game slipped into familiar friendly rhythm. Yet Brazil were handed a golden chance to snatch a late winner after Ferjani Sassi conceded a penalty. However, substitute Lucas Paquetá failed to match Estevao’s earlier composure, blasting his effort high over the bar.
After the game ended, Brazil took to its official X handle to confirm the results and the goalscorers for the night. Brazil will be hoping the team gets better during next year’s international break just before the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the selecao seek a historic 6th title. They posted:
Tunisia then survived a late VAR check to hang on for a historic draw, a result that strengthens their growing reputation as a potential dark horse heading into the summer. Brazil, meanwhile, continue to adjust under Carlo Ancelotti. With flashes of quality but lingering inconsistencies, the Selecao still have significant fine-tuning to do before the World Cup.
