Brazil and Japan lock horns in one of the most exciting looking Round of 32 games at the 2026 World Cup on Monday at 6pm (UK time).
Brazil haven’t really been on people’s lips when it comes to discussing the teams at the forefront of the outright market. They’ve quietly gone about their business though, drawing with Morocco before dismantling both Haiti and Scotland. It’s been a campaign built on ruthless efficiency rather than their traditional flair. With Carlo Ancelotti at the helm the knockout stages might be where Brazil truly come alive.
Japan ended their Group F campaign without a loss but it was their opening match, a 2-2 draw with Netherlands, that proved to be decisive in Samurai Blue beating Sweden to second spot. A comprehensive victory over Tunisia showed that Japan are more than capable of some impressive football but the game against Brazil represents a much tougher challenge.
This will be the eleventh meeting between the two nations over the years but only the second time they have met in competitive action.
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Brazil vs Japan team news
Brazil team news
Carlo Ancelotti is unlikely to make wholesale changes after Brazil’s comfortable 3-0 win over Scotland sent them into the Round of 32.
Danilo and Douglas Santos are expected to continue at full-back. Marquinhos captains the side from centre-back, with Gabriel Magalhaes alongside him providing aerial authority and defensive composure. That partnership has grown increasingly assured as the tournament has progressed and faces its sternest examination yet against Japan’s clever movement.
Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes are expected to anchor the midfield. This gives Ancelotti defensive coverage in transition without sacrificing quality in possession. Lucas Paqueta operates ahead of them in the number ten role. He has been Brazil’s most creative presence linking midfield and attack.
Vinícius Júnior has scored four goals at this tournament and appears certain to start from the left. His direct running and ability to cut inside onto his right foot has caused every defence he has faced real problems. Raphinha brings additional creativity and set-piece threat from the right.
Matheus Cunha has three group-stage goals and leads the line with the energy and movement.. Rodrygo, Endrick and Neymar all offer genuine quality from the bench.
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Japan team news
Hajime Moriyasu faces a significant selection dilemma heading into Monday’s Round of 32 against Brazil. Japan have deployed a back three throughout the tournament, but that system now carries injury concerns. That could force Moriyasu’s hand ahead of the biggest game in the Samurai Blue’s recent history.
Ko Itakura was forced off in the first half against Sweden and is now a doubt for Houston. His availability is the most pressing team news question for Japan ahead of Monday. Hiroki Ito and an as-yet unconfirmed partner are expected to complete the back three if Itakura fails to recover in time.
Takefusa Kubo remains sidelined despite returning to training on grass with a knee injury. His absence continues to remove Japan’s most creative wide threat from Moriyasu’s attacking options. Shuto Machino returned to the bench against Sweden after illness.
Zion Suzuki continues in goal. Yukinari Sugawara operates from right wing-back and faces the most difficult individual assignment of his career – tracking Vinícius Júnior across 90 minutes in a knockout match. Keito Nakamura and Daichi Kamada are expected to provide the creative threat from midfield. Ao Tanaka will provide defensive cover and energy.
Ayase Ueda leads the line after his outstanding group-stage campaign – two goals and an assist across three matches. Junya Ito and Ritsu Doan provide wide options if Japan need to chase the game.
Brazil vs Japan predicted lineups
Brazil (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Magalhaes, Santos; Casemiro, Guimaraes; Raphinha, Paqueta, Vinícius Júnior; Cunha.
Japan (3-4-2-1): Suzuki; Tomiyasu, Taniguchi, Ito; Sugawara, Tanaka, Kamada, Nakamura; Ritsu Doan, Maeda; Ueda.
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