Brazil is scheduled to play England twice in 2013 as Brazil prepares for the Confederations Cup and England look ahead to the 2014 World Cup.

The first game is scheduled for Wednesday, 6 February at Wembley Stadium in London as part of The FA’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

The two teams will then meet again Sunday, 2 June in a match that will mark the re-opening of the “new” Maracanã Stadium (photo) in Rio de Janeiro, the iconic stadium that will host the World Cup Final in 2014, and the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2016 Olympic Games.

Club England Managing Director Adrian Bevington said: “We’re delighted Brazil will kick-off The FA’s 150th anniversary celebrations at Wembley. 2013 is a landmark year for The FA and an exciting England fixture programme, in addition to Wembley hosting the UEFA Champions League Final, will form a key part of the celebrations. As the most successful footballing nation, with great players and supporters, it will be fantastic to launch this important year in English football’s history against such outstanding opponents as Brazil.”