Fired-up Brazil will cross swords with hard-to-beat Japan in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 encounter at NRG Stadium in Houston, USA on Monday.
Kick-off is at 7:00 pm CAT.
CURRENT FORM
The Seleção are in a confident mood after dismantling Scotland 3-0 in their final Group C match on June 25, finishing the group stage with two wins and one draw.
As five-time world champions, boasting a star-studded squad famous for their vibrant Samba style, Brazil topped their group on goal difference with attacking flair, heading into the Round of 32 as clear favourites against Japan.
Meanwhile, the Samurai Blue wrapped up their Group F campaign unbeaten, finishing second after a 1-1 draw with Sweden on June 26.
Japan arrive on a strong 10-match unbeaten run across all competitions, bringing their trademark high-intensity pressing, quick transitions, and disciplined organisation as they fancy their chances of causing a major upset and reaching the Round of 16.
TEAM NEWS
Raphinha missed Brazil’s final group stage match against Scotland due to a hamstring injury, and his availability for the Round of 32 clash against Japan remains uncertain.
Neymar made his first Brazil appearance since 2023 as a substitute against Scotland, but it is still unclear whether Ancelotti will start him against Japan.
On the other side, Japan’s Ayase Ueda played through a minor fitness concern during the group stage and is expected to lead the line against Brazil.
However, star attacker Takefusa Kubo is highly unlikely to feature, as he continues to train individually after suffering a left knee injury in the opening match against the Netherlands.
WHAT WAS SAID?
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti
"We're not perfect. We can improve. For example, our pace on the ball. We can be quicker," Ancelotti said.
"But I'm pleased because the team has improved a lot since the first match. Now it's a knockout competition. We need to show real grit."
Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu
"In the past, from Brazil's point of view, Japan may have been an opponent it could easily beat," Moriyasu said on Japan Times.
"But given last year's friendly match [which Japan won], I think the fact that it now recognises we are not an opponent it can beat easily is already a sign of the growth of Japanese soccer...
"Personally, I am looking forward to being able to play against that kind of Brazil — a serious Brazil."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Vinícius Júnior, Brazil: The Real Madrid winger spearheaded the attack in the group stage by scoring four goals across all three matches. His explosive pace and elite dribbling on the left wing pose a massive threat to Japan.
Daichi Kamada, Japan: The Crystal Palace playmaker anchored their midfield excelled in the group stage by netting crucial goals against both the Netherlands and Tunisia. He will dictate the tempo and exploit gaps in transition to hurt Brazil.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Brazil and Japan have faced each other 14 times in history: the Seleção dominate the fixture with 11 victories, while Japan has just one win and there have been two draws.
In their most recent meeting on 14 October 2025, Japan made history by coming from behind to defeat Brazil 3-2 in a dramatic friendly clash in Tokyo.
This will be their third meeting at the World Cup (first since 2006).
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