South Korea Clashes with Brazil in Must-Watch International Friendly: Complete Match Preview, Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Brazil seeks to bounce back from their humiliating September loss in Bolivia as they head to Seoul for Friday's international friendly against South Korea.
The Seleção secured their spot for next summer's World Cup in June but have struggled to impress throughout CONMEBOL qualifying. They concluded in fifth place in the standings, with their defeat at altitude in El Alto highlighting a disappointing campaign, even following Carlo Ancelotti's appointment as manager.
The Italian coach has managed only four games with Brazil, securing victory in just two encounters, and will be eager to establish crucial momentum before the World Cup. Matches against South Korea and subsequently Japan provide opportunities to fine-tune their performance. Currently, the five-time champions are not considered leading contenders for next summer's title.
South Korea represents a possible adversary for Brazil in the U.S., Canada and Mexico tournament, having earned qualification in June. They topped their qualifying group and maintain an outstanding 16-game undefeated streak that continued in North America last month with a 2–0 triumph over the USMNT and a 2–2 stalemate with Mexico.
South Korea and Brazil previously met at the latest World Cup, where the South American giants secured a commanding 4–1 victory in the round of 16. The Taegeuk Warriors have defeated Brazil only once previously, achieving a memorable upset in a 1999 friendly.
Here's Sports Illustrated's preview of the encounter.
What Time Does South Korea vs. Brazil Kick-Off?
South Korea vs. Brazil Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
South Korea | Brazil |
|---|---|
Mexico 2–2 South Korea - 9/10/25 | Bolivia 1–0 Brazil - 9/10/25 |
United States 0–2 South Korea - 9/6/25 | Brazil 3–0 Chile - 9/5/25 |
South Korea 4–0 Kuwait - 6/10/25 | Brazil 1–0 Paraguay - 6/11/25 |
Iraq 0–2 South Korea - 6/5/25 | Ecuador 0–0 Brazil - 6/6/25 |
South Korea 1–1 Jordan - 3/25/25 | Argentina 4–1 Brazil - 3/26/25 |
How to Watch South Korea vs. Brazil on TV and Live Stream
Strangely, this match lacks television broadcast agreements, except for potential last-minute arrangements, in the U.S, United Kingdom, Canada and Mexico.
Naturally, the fixture will be broadcast in Brazil, with Globo and Sky+ among the networks, though the game will be missing from television schedules throughout the remainder of South America.
Country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United States | Not televised |
United Kingdom | Not televised |
Canada | Not televised |
Mexico | Not televised |
Brazil | Globoplay, Zapping, Claro TV+, Sky+, Globo |
South Korea Team News
Hong Myung-bo will have new LAFC striker Son Heung-min at his disposal for Brazil's arrival, with the former Tottenham captain having enjoyed an excellent beginning to his MLS career. He's already netted eight goals and provided two assists in merely nine matches since his move to America.
Bayern Munich center-back Kim Min-jae and Paris Saint-Germain playmaker Lee Kang-in will also feature in Friday's friendly, while Borussia Mönchengladbach's Jens Castrop is expected to participate.
South Korea Predicted Lineup vs. Brazil
South Korea predicted lineup vs. Brazil (5-4-1): Hyeon-woo; Young-woo, Han-beom, Min-jae, Ju-sung, Tae-seok; Kang-in, Seung-ho, Castrop, Jae-sung; Son.
Brazil Team News
Injuries have restricted Ancelotti's available squad, with primary goalkeeper Alisson among those sidelined due to a hamstring problem. The Liverpool keeper appears likely to miss the November international window as well.
Barcelona's Raphinha and Paris Saint-Germain's Marquinhos are other significant injury casualties, but Real Madrid sensation Vinícius Júnior rejoins the squad after skipping September's meaningless internationals.
Igor Jesus returns to the national team fold following an impressive beginning at Nottingham Forest, while Gabriel, Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, Matheus Cunha and Richarlison represent other Premier League selections.
Brazil Predicted Lineup vs. South Korea
Brazil predicted lineup vs. South Korea (4-2-3-1): Bento; Wesley, Militão, Gabriel, Santos; Guimarães, Casemiro; Estêvão, Cunha, Vinícius; Richarlison.
South Korea vs. Brazil Score Prediction
South Korea maintains an extended unbeaten streak but hasn't encountered opposition with Brazil's caliber and depth since their last loss in February 2024. They will deploy a five-man defense to neutralize their visitors' threat, exploiting Son's pace and vigor on counterattacks.
Nevertheless, they will find it challenging to contain Brazil's offensive firepower, who possess remarkable attacking alternatives. The South Americans have managed only four goals since Ancelotti's tenure began but should attack freely given Friday's low-pressure nature.
Brazil are unlikely to overwhelm their hosts but should emerge victorious.