The United States face a daunting make-or-break match against football superpower Brazil on Wednesday as both sides contest their final tune-up friendly before the start of the Copa America a week later.

Following an embarrassing 5-1 catastrophe against Colombia in which the USMNT collapsed across the final 15 minutes, major questions are being asked of the side’s readiness for the upcoming tournament on home soil.

There’s nowhere to hide as they head to Orlando for this match against one of the world’s most talented and successful sides. Brazil looked vulnerable through a number of disappointing results in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying, but recent strong friendly performances against Spain, England, and Mexico prove they remain a force to be reckoned with.

These two nations could potentially meet in competitive action not far from now, as they are slated to enter the same side of the Copa America knockout bracket should they both qualify by finishing top two in their group. They could either meet in the quarterfinals should one finish first and the other second, or they would be potential semifinal opponents should they both finish first or second and then progress through the quarters.

Against one of the most formidable opponents in the game, the U.S. men will either put forth a quality performance to bury the Colombia defeat as a mere blip, or find themselves well beaten again seeing the USMNT limp into the Copa America in awful form.

USA vs. Brazil prediction, odds

• Moneyline lean: Brazil (-200)
• Score prediction: USA 1-2 Brazil

If you were hoping for the oddsmakers to overreact to 15 bad minutes against a team in the middle of a 22-match unbeaten streak, you’ll be unfortunately disappointed.

The United States worked hard through 60 minutes against Colombia and were right in the match before the collapse across the final stage. The first two goals they conceded were either fluky, exquisite, or a combination of both, and while the late capitulation can’t be scrubbed entirely from memory, it can largely be chalked up as an outlier, as the U.S. has not shown a repeated tendency to switch off so completely.

Both Mexico and Canada recently proved a turnaround is possible against powerful opponents, having each been dismantled in a friendly by a strong opponent before putting in a quality performance days later. Mexico were blasted by Uruguay 4-0 but turned around to nearly draw Brazil, falling 3-2 on a 96th minute winner by Endrick, while Canada reversed their own 4-0 defeat to the Netherlands to secure a 0-0 draw with France the next match.

Still, while the U.S. likely won’t be clobbered two games in a row, it’s impossible to pick against Brazil noting how well they have finished games even amidst poor overall performances. Until Gregg Berhalter proves he can engineer a victory against a top-class opponent, it will remain unwise to back the U.S. for a total upset.

USA vs. Brazil match facts

• Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024
• Kickoff Time: 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT
• Location: Camping World Stadium (Orlando, FL)
• Last meeting: USA 0-2 Brazil (Sep. 7, 2018 | International friendly)

USA vs. Brazil best bet

• Pick: Half with most goals — 2H
• Odds: -105 (BetMGM)

While both sides have proven incapable of keeping the opponent out of the net of late, it’s been the second half which has seen them struggle the most. Often in friendlies the hefty rotation can cause the final 45 minutes to lack flow and stifle attacking play, but it’s had the opposite effect for these two nations, with the cacophony of substitutions causing both to see their defensive focus slip.

The United States managed to pull a goal back from a 2-0 deficit against Colombia early in the second half, only to see it shatter into pieces across the final 15 minutes, conceding three utterly embarrassing goals. Brazil, meanwhile, coughed up their own 2-0 lead as Mexico clawed back level, only for Endrick to put his stamp on yet another match late with a 96th minute winner.

Look for things to get wacky late in the game as some players tire and others enter off the bench with a point to prove.

USA vs. Brazil prop bet

• Pick: Endrick anytime goal scorer
• Odds: +130 (BetMGM)

17-year-old sensation Endrick has arrived at the forefront of the Brazil attack at just the right time. The Selecao were being punished for missing a true No. 9 up front, as the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Richarlison, and Evanilson repeatedly flop leaving Vinicius Jr. unable to carry the load himself.

In steps the Palmeiras teen, brought to the forefront following the conclusion of his highly anticipated transfer to Real Madrid. In just five international caps, he has bagged three goals, all in a row against the likes of England, Spain, and Mexico, all three coming as a substitute, with the first two tying the match and the latest giving Brazil a last-gasp victory.

It’s high time he earns his first career international start, and with some key starters likely to be rested before the start of the Copa America, the teen could see the field for a significant amount of time. Even if he again enters off the bench, he will be a threat towards the end to change the course of the match.

USA vs. Brazil live stream, TV channel

• TV Channel (English): TNT
• Streaming (English): Sling
• TV Channel (Spanish): Telemundo
• Streaming (Spanish): Fubo, Peacock, Telemundo Deportes en Vivo

This international friendly between the United States and Brazil will be available to watch on TNT as part of U.S. Soccer’s long-term deal with Turner Sports. TNT can be streamed on Sling, who are offering a discount on the first month of service for new users.

There is also a Spanish-language broadcast available on Telemundo, which can be streamed on Fubo, who are offering a free trial for new users.