Brazil-Japan: favourites Seleção, dangerous Samurai

In the 2026 World Cup Round of 32, five-time champions Brazil face Japan at NRG Stadium in Houston. Brazil, under Carlo Ancelotti — the first time the Seleção have been managed by a foreign coach at a World Cup — topped Group C (a 1-1 draw with Morocco, 3-0 wins over Haiti and Scotland), with Vinícius Jr making his mark with four goals. Raphinha, however, is absent for this match through injury. 

Brazil's attacking power is undeniable; alongside Vinícius, the in-form Matheus Cunha and the rapidly rising young Rayan also pose a threat. Neymar, back from injury and ready on the bench, further strengthens Ancelotti's hand.

Japan, though, must not be underestimated. Hajime Moriyasu's side came through a tough Group F unbeaten (2-2 with the Netherlands, 4-0 over Tunisia, 1-1 with Sweden); their attack is built around Ayase Ueda, with the movement of Doan, Kamada and Nakamura. The team's 3-4-2-1 is disciplined and technical; however, Takefusa Kubo is out with a knee complaint, and Shōgo Taniguchi could come in for Kō Itakura, who was injured against Sweden. 

There is one more detail that makes this tie intriguing. Japan beat Brazil 3-2 in a Kirin Cup friendly in October 2025; but in that game Brazil were without several of their starters. In a fixture Brazil have historically dominated, the Seleção are again favourites, but Japan's counterattacking threat could spring a surprise at any moment. The winner of the match will face the victor of Ivory Coast-Norway in the Round of 16. Here are the two probable lineups: 

🇧🇷 Brazil (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Santos; Guimarães, Casemiro; Rayan, Paquetá, Vinicius; Cunha. Coach: Carlo Ancelotti
🇯🇵 Japan (3-4-2-1): Suzuki; Tomiyasu, Taniguchi, H. Itō; Dōan, Sano, Tanaka, Nakamura; Maeda, Kamada; Ueda. Coach: Hajime Moriyasu

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Image: Sports Illustrated