Brazil Women Beat Argentina 3-1, Lose Two NWSL Players

BRAZIL · SPORT

Brazil’s World Cup rehearsal drew a big home crowd, but it cost Brazil two players from American clubs.

Brazil’s women’s national team beat Argentina 3-1 in a friendly at Estádio Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre on Saturday, 10 October. The win cost two clubs in the US National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) a player each.

On Sunday, 11 October, Brazil’s football federation, the CBF, released defender Bruninha of Gotham FC and midfielder Angelina of Orlando Pride. The CBF said scans confirmed a complete rupture of Bruninha’s anterior cruciate ligament, a major knee injury.

Angelina was diagnosed with a broken nose, according to the federation’s statement, published in full by the sports daily Lance. Saturday’s game was the women’s team’s first match at Beira-Rio, a venue for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

How Brazil Beat Argentina

Luany opened the scoring in the 26th minute, reported Agência Brasil, the public news agency. Geyse doubled the lead with a bicycle kick in the 38th minute.

Captain Angelina made it 3-0 shortly before half-time, a goal Lance also credited to her. Maricel Pereyra, who plays for São Paulo FC, pulled one back for Argentina about six minutes after the restart.

Head coach Arthur Elias missed the game through suspension, so his assistant Rodrigo Iglesias led the team. Brazil made several changes in the second half, and the home side lost some rhythm, the agency said.

Two NWSL Players Ruled Out

The CBF said Bruninha sprained her knee during the match, and tests then confirmed the ligament rupture. She will stay with the squad for treatment until the October international window ends, then have surgery.

Angelina suffered a direct blow to the face, the federation said. She will continue her treatment with her club, Orlando Pride, in Florida.

Bruninha, a full-back, plays for Gotham FC, the club based in the New York and New Jersey area. Angelina wore the captain’s armband for Brazil on Saturday, according to Agência Brasil.

A World Cup Rehearsal in Porto Alegre

The crowd topped 20,000, according to Lance, while Agência Brasil put the attendance above 28,000. Both describe a big turnout for a women’s friendly in southern Brazil.

Aline Pellegrino, FIFA’s director of legacy and institutional relations for the 2027 tournament, spoke to Lance after the match. “Today was a day when the whole stadium saw the women’s national team for the first time,” she said.

Porto Alegre’s city government ran a drive to hand out tickets for the friendly. Its World Cup office says Beira-Rio will host seven matches in 2027, six group games and one round-of-16 tie.

The city says the tournament runs from 24 June to 25 July 2027. Arena Pernambuco, the venue for Tuesday’s rematch, is also a host stadium.

What It Means for You

For NWSL fans, Gotham FC loses a Brazil international defender to a serious knee injury. A cruciate ligament rupture that needs surgery usually means months out, though the CBF gave no timeline.

Orlando Pride supporters should watch for updates on Angelina, whose treatment now moves to the club. No return date was given for either player.

For US travelers, Saturday’s crowd was an early test of a 2027 host stadium. US citizens need a visa to visit Brazil, so fans planning World Cup trips should apply early.

What Is Not Known

The CBF has not said how long Bruninha or Angelina will be out, or whether it will call up replacements. Reports also differ on which knee Bruninha injured and on the exact minute she was hurt.

No official attendance figure from the CBF or the stadium was available. It is also not known how either US club will cover the absence.

What Comes Next

Brazil play Argentina again on Tuesday, 13 October, at Arena Pernambuco in São Lourenço da Mata, near Recife. Kickoff is 8:30 p.m. Brasília time, which is 7:30 p.m. ET, according to Agência Brasil.

Bruninha will stay with the squad until the October window ends and then have surgery. Angelina’s treatment continues with Orlando Pride.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the score of Brazil vs Argentina in the women’s friendly?

Brazil won 3-1 at Estádio Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre on Saturday, 10 October. Luany, Geyse and Angelina scored for Brazil, and Maricel Pereyra scored for Argentina.

Why were Bruninha and Angelina released from Brazil’s squad?

The CBF said Bruninha suffered a complete rupture of a knee ligament and Angelina broke her nose. Both were hurt in Saturday’s match against Argentina.

Which NWSL clubs do Bruninha and Angelina play for?

Bruninha plays for Gotham FC, and Angelina plays for Orlando Pride. Both clubs compete in the US National Women’s Soccer League.

When do Brazil and Argentina play again?

The second friendly is on Tuesday, 13 October, at Arena Pernambuco near Recife. Kickoff is 8:30 p.m. Brasília time, which is 7:30 p.m. ET.

Sources: CBF statement on Bruninha and Angelina, published in full by Lance; Lance, crowd and reactions; Agência Brasil, match report; Porto Alegre city government, SECOPA 2027; Porto Alegre city government, ticket drive (all accessed 11 October 2026).