What happened in Orlando?

Croatia faced Brazil on July 25, 2026, in Orlando and suffered a 1:3 loss. Lovro Majer equalised in the 84th minute, but Thiago and Gabriel Martinelli capitalised on a penalty and stoppage time to seal the win. Brazil took the lead in the 45+2 minute, and the final score was confirmed by American referee Guido Gonzales Jr.

How did the match unfold?

Both sides started slowly, with Brazil opening the scoring through Danilo Oliveira in the 45+2 minute. Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livaković shone in the 36th and 42nd minutes, denying two strong Brazilian attacks. Luka Modrić began the game, but an errant pass led to a counter‑attack for Vinícius Júnior, who netted the first goal.

Why does the result matter for the World Cup?

Even as a friendly, the defeat highlights defensive frailties, especially in set‑piece situations. A lack of discipline resulted in a penalty that Brazil converted. Coach Zlatko Dalić made seven changes from the Colombia match, signalling a search for the optimal lineup ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

What’s next for Croatia?

Following this match, Croatia’s recent five‑game form stands at 3W‑0D‑2L (LLWWW), with the last two games ending in defeat. The most recent loss was to Portugal 2:1 (2026‑07‑02). The next challenge arrives on September 26, 2026, away against Czechia, the fourth group fixture, and the squad must tighten its defence to stay competitive at the World Cup.