Kaiki Replaces Injured Alex Sandro in Brazil Squad for Upcoming Friendlies

Brazil’s national team has undergone a late roster change ahead of their upcoming friendly matches against France and Croatia. Cruzeiro left-back Kaiki Bruno has been called up to replace the injured Alex Sandro, as confirmed by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) on Sunday, March 23, 2026 [1], [2] and [3].

Injury Forces Change in Squad

Alex Sandro sustained a muscle injury in his right thigh during Flamengo’s Serie A match against Corinthians on Sunday [3]. This injury prompted Brazil’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, to create the late substitution.

Kaiki’s Opportunity

Kaiki, who has represented Brazil at the under-20 level, now has the opportunity to earn his first senior international cap. The friendly matches are scheduled for March 26th against France in Boston and March 31st against Croatia in Orlando [2]. He was part of the Brazil squad that won the under-20 South American U-20 Championship in 2023 and reached the quarterfinals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup that same year [2].

Other Injury Concerns

Kaiki is not the only player to be replaced in the squad due to injury. Goalkeeper Alisson was previously ruled out and replaced by Hugo Souza of Corinthians [3].

Upcoming Matches

Brazil will face France on Thursday, March 26th, at 5:00 PM Brasília time at Gillette Stadium in Boston. The match against Croatia will be held on Tuesday, March 31st, at 9:00 PM Brasília time at Camping World Stadium in Orlando [3]. Hugo Souza, Kaiki Bruno, and Danilo are the last players expected to join the team in Orlando [3].