Brazil and Japan Clash in World Cup 2026 Round of 32
Manasi Pathak
Five-time champions Brazil face Asian powerhouse Japan in the World Cup 2026 round of 32, looking to avenge a recent friendly loss. The match takes place in Houston, USA, on June 29.
Brazil, the five-time world champions, will face Japan, Asia's top representative in the tournament, in the World Cup 2026 round of 32. The match kicks off at 12:00 local time (17:00 GMT) on Monday, June 29, at Houston Stadium, USA.
This is a chance for Brazil to avenge a friendly loss to Japan late last year. However, Japan impressed in the group stage and should not be underestimated.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged Japan as one of the world's best teams. "We need many things: a strong spirit, a brave heart, and a clear mind. I think the team is ready. They are motivated and confident," Ancelotti said in the pre-match press conference.
Path to the Round of 32
Brazil started with a 1-1 draw against Morocco, then beat Haiti 3-0 and Scotland 3-0 to top Group C. Vinicius Jr scored four goals, Matheus Cunha three, and Bruno Guimaraes led in assists (three).
Japan began with a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands, then beat Tunisia 4-0 and drew 1-1 with Sweden, finishing second in Group F with five points. Ayase Ueda and Daichi Kamada each scored two goals.
Head-to-Head Record
Historically, Brazil have won 11, drawn two, and lost only once against Japan. Brazil's sole defeat came in October 2025, when Japan won 3-2 in a friendly. Their only World Cup meeting (2006) ended 4-1 to Brazil.
Squad and Predicted Lineups
Raphinha remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Japan's Takefusa Kubo cannot play due to a knee injury. Neymar has returned from a calf injury and is ready for more minutes.
Brazil's predicted lineup (4-3-3): Alisson (GK); Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Santos; Guimaraes, Casemiro, Paqueta; Rayan, Cunha, Vinicius Jr.
Japan's predicted lineup (3-4-2-1): Suzuki (GK); Tomiyasu, Taniguchi, Ito; Doan, Sano, Tanaka, Nakamura; Ito, Kamada; Ueda.
Prediction
According to Opta's supercomputer, Brazil have a 58.3% chance of winning in regular time, Japan 18.1%, with a 23.6% chance of extra time or penalties.
The winner will face Norway or Ivory Coast in the round of 16.
