Midfielder Casemiro has urged his Brazil teammates not to take Venezuela lightly as the teams prepare for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Thursday.

Brazil are currently 50 places higher than Venezuela in FIFA's world rankings but the Manchester United enforcer said that would mean nothing when the teams meet on the third match day of the South American zone qualifiers at Arena Pantanal.

"It's going to be a difficult game against a well-organized opponent," Casemiro told reporters on Wednesday. "Venezuela have their strengths with many players that are with European clubs, quality players. The important thing is that we respect them.

"Football is one of the few sports in which the favorite often doesn't win. All games are tough, particularly here in South America."

Casemiro mentioned midfielder Yangel Herrera, playmaker Yeferson Soteldo and, in particular, striker Salomon Rondon as players the Selecao must watch carefully.

"I think Rondon is a great player and someone who can make the difference," the 31-year-old said.

Brazil began their qualifying campaign with victories over Bolivia and Peru last month while Venezuela lost to Colombia and beat Paraguay.

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