Corinthians resume friendlies in World Cup break: recent games | OneFootball

Corinthians return to the pitch this Sunday (12) at 4 p.m. (Brasília time) to face Cascavel at the Estádio Olímpico Regional, in Paraná, in a friendly that marks the beginning of the team’s preparations during the break in the schedule for the 2026 World Cup. The match is part of the club’s mid-season training period ahead of the resumption of official competitions.

This is not the first time Timão have used a World Cup break to play friendlies. In previous editions of the tournament held in the middle of the Brazilian calendar, the club used the period to keep the squad sharp and run tests for the rest of the season.

Photo: Reproduction / Corinthians

The 2018 mid-season period featured three friendlies

During the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Corinthians, then managed by Osmar Loss, played three warm-up matches before the resumption of the Brazilian Championship, Copa do Brasil, and Conmebol Libertadores.

The first match took place on July 4, when Timão beat Cruzeiro 2-0 at Mineirão. Romero and Pedro Henrique scored for the black-and-white side.

Four days later, on July 8, Corinthians once again faced a Série A opponent and defeated Grêmio 2-1 at Neo Química Arena. After falling behind, the team came from behind with goals from Matheus Matias and Marquinhos Gabriel.

Wrapping up preparations, on July 11, Corinthians faced Cruzeiro again, this time in Itaquera. The friendly ended in a 2-2 draw, with Paulo Roberto and Pedrinho finding the net for the São Paulo club.

In 2014, a win marked Ángel Romero’s debut

During the 2014 World Cup held in Brazil, Corinthians played only one friendly during the season break.

On July 6, the team faced Uberaba in Minas Gerais and won 4-1. Despite going behind, Mano Menezes’ side responded and completed the comeback with goals from Luciano, Jadson, Elias, and Renato Augusto.

The match was also marked by the debut of Paraguayan forward Ángel Romero in a Corinthians shirt. He came on during the game and began a journey that would make him one of the most important foreign players in the club’s history.

Friendly tournament was part of preparations in 2010

During the break for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Corinthians took part in the Torneio Cidade de Londrina, a friendly competition held in Paraná.

In their opener, they beat Iraty 1-0 at Estádio do Café, with a goal from Jorge Henrique, a result that secured a place in the final.

In the final, however, Timão were beaten 1-0 by Athletico-PR and finished the friendly competition as runners-up.

Before the official return of the Brazilian Championship, the team played one more warm-up match. In Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, they thrashed Comercial-MS 6-0, ending the mid-season period on a positive note.

New preparation period

Now, during the break for the 2026 World Cup, Corinthians begin a new run of friendlies. The first match will be against Cascavel in Paraná, before the team continue preparations for the return of official competitions in the second half of the year, when they will once again compete in the Brazilian Championship, Copa do Brasil, and Conmebol Libertadores.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.