Brazil Roundup: EU ties, World Cup predictions, asylum requests surge

Eight red cards mar Brazil's heated friendly defeat to US women

Brazil received eight red cards in a chaotic 1-0 loss to the United States women's national team in Fortaleza. Coach Arthur Elias and three assistants were sent off during the second half, while players Bia Zaneratto and Tarciane were dismissed late in the match. Kerolin and Ludmila also saw red after the final whistle for dissent. Sophia Wilson scored the game's only goal in the 63rd minute, with Brazil failing to register a shot on target before a crowd of more than 55,000 fans.

Brazil intercepts 108 Cuban migrants as asylum requests surge

Brazilian authorities rescued 108 Cuban migrants from suspected smugglers in Roraima state, marking the largest humanitarian rescue operation ever recorded in the region. Five alleged traffickers were arrested. Officials say the operation reflects a growing wave of Cuban migration through Brazil's northern border with Guyana. Cubans became the leading nationality seeking refugee status in Brazil in 2025, with more than 40,000 applications, driven by Cuba's deepening economic crisis. Roraima and neighbouring Amapá have emerged as key entry points, with authorities warning that migration flows could continue to rise amid worsening conditions on the island.

EU deepens digital ties with Brazil to reduce reliance on US tech

The European Union and Brazil are set to sign a digital partnership covering data, cybersecurity, connectivity and online safety, as Brussels seeks to strengthen ties with trusted partners and reduce dependence on U.S. technology. EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen said Brazil will become the bloc's fifth digital partner, joining Canada, Japan, South Korea and Singapore. The move follows the EU-Mercosur trade agreement and comes as Europe works to boost its own tech sovereignty, particularly in cloud services and semiconductor production.

Brazil's Alisson unfazed by World Cup favourites tag

Brazil goalkeeper Alisson Becker says being labelled a World Cup favourite offers no advantage, insisting what matters is a team's form when the tournament begins. The Liverpool keeper, fully fit for his third World Cup, credited coach Carlo Ancelotti with improving morale after a difficult qualifying campaign. He said Brazil have become more organised defensively under the Italian and is ready for their opening match against Morocco in New Jersey.

Brazilian woman, 38, accused of posing as child in years-long fraud

A 38-year-old Brazilian woman has been arrested for allegedly posing as a 12-year-old girl and deceiving a couple who housed and supported her for more than a year. Amanda Maria Souza de Oliveira is accused of fraud and identity offences after reportedly creating a fake identity, convincing the family to cover her expenses and treating her as a child. Prosecutors described the case as an "elaborate fraud scheme" involving emotional manipulation. Authorities say Oliveira has faced similar allegations in other Brazilian states.