Kaio Jorge remains hopeful of securing a spot in Brazil’s World Cup squad. In a recent Copa do Brasil match against Goiás, the striker found the net again, securing a 1-0 victory. After the game, he opened up about the moment he discovered he was included in Carlo Ancelotti’s preliminary list.
“I was overjoyed when I heard the news. Bruno Spindel was the one who told me. I was at the club, he couldn’t find me, but he sent a message. I’m happy—it’s the result of the work I’ve put in since arriving at Cruzeiro. I hope to keep giving my best, and if it’s God’s will, I’ll be there,” said the number 19 in the mixed zone.
Kaio Jorge, the top scorer in last season’s Brazilian Championship and Copa do Brasil, has had a slow start to 2026, partly due to injuries. Still, he was decisive in the Campeonato Mineiro, scoring the title-winning goal. Despite a rocky beginning to the year, he averages a goal involvement every two games, scoring every 142 minutes, with a 45% conversion rate on clear chances.
Here are Kaio Jorge’s stats:
– 21 games (19 as starter)
– 10 goals
– 1 assist
– 142 minutes per goal involvement
– 54 total shots (22 on target)
– 5.4 shots per goal
– 45% conversion rate on clear chances
– 1 big chance created
– 0.7 key passes per game
– 37% duel success rate
– 43% aerial duel success rate
– 0.8 fouls suffered per game
– 1 penalty won
– 5.13 expected goals (xG) total
The match against Goiás saw Cruzeiro win 1-0 at Mineirão, with Kaio Jorge’s penalty securing their place in the Copa do Brasil Round of 16. The aggregate score was 3-2 in favor of the Minas Gerais side.
In the first half, Cruzeiro dominated despite Goiás having more possession. Matheus Pereira and Romero combined to set up Kaio Jorge, whose shot went wide. Fabrício Bruno’s header was saved by Tadeu, who also denied Kaiki’s long-range effort. However, Kaio Jorge converted a penalty to make it 1-0. Cruzeiro continued creating chances.
In the second half, Goiás coach Daniel Paulista made four changes, pushing his team forward. Bruno Sávio’s header was the first real threat. Cruzeiro played more conservatively but still troubled with Sinisterra’s shots, only for Tadeu to keep saving. Bruno Rodrigues missed a chance to seal the game in the 29th minute. At 39 minutes, Jonathan Jesus misplayed a pass in the box, nearly allowing Esli Garcia to score, but Fabrício Bruno cleared. In stoppage time, Esli hit the post, echoing his miss at Serra Dourada.
