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WHO: Brazil vs Japan
What: FIFA World Cup 2026 – round 32
ThatVenue: Houston Stadium, Houston, United States
WhenMonday, June 29, 12pm (17:00 GMT)
How to follow: We will have all the construction Al Jazeera Sport from 14:00 GMT ahead of our announcement.
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Carlo Ancelotti faces his first test as Brazil coach when the five-time world champions face Japan, arguably the best Asian team in the competition, in the round of 32.
Monday’s meeting in Houston gives Brazil a chance to avenge their loss to Japan at the end of last year, as the South American giants face their goal of making a run in North America.
The odds are stacked against Brazil, but with Japan emerging from the treacherous ranks of the top flight, it would be foolish to write them off.
There is also mutual respect and cooperation between the countries, due to the great influence of Brazil on top football in Japan.
Al Jazeera tells you everything about the second round of 32:
How did Brazil get to the round of 32?
The five-time world champion started the tournament with a 1-1 with Morocco before hitting Haiti 3-0 Others. A 3-0 to Scotland in the last group game sent them to the top of group C and sealed their place in the white man 32.
Of the seven goals Brazil registered in the three games, Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr scored four, while Matheus Cunha scored three. Bruno Guimaraes had the most assists (three).
Ancelotti is relaxed ahead of the Japan clash
Since their presentation on the ground in the first game, Brazil seems to be growing in the competition, showing all their activities, and some stars of the Selecao who find a rhythm.
Ancelotti knows Japan are no fool, describing the four-time Asian champions as “one of the best teams” in the world.
In his pre-Sunday press conference, the Italian was relaxed and showed no signs of feeling pressured, despite Brazil being named favorites for the knockout stage.
“We need many things: A strong mind, a strong heart, a positive attitude,” he told reporters. “I think we have to be ready for anything that can happen in a knock-out game, and a lot can happen in a knock-out game.
“I think the team is ready. They are excited, they are confident,” added Ancelotti, who is leading Brazil to a record-extending sixth tournament.
How did Japan get to the round of 32?
Japan began their campaign by capturing the Netherlands to a 2-2 draw already defeating Tunisia 4-0 in the second game. They finished the first round with a 1-1 with Swedenwhich saw them finish with five points, securing second place in Group F.
Ayase Ueda and Daichi Kamada are Japan’s top scorers so far, with two goals each, while Keito Nakamura, Junya Ito and Daizen Maeda have also scored one.
The dark horses in Japan are ‘relatable’, says Moriyasu
Japan have lived up to their billing as the “dark horses” of the tournament, holding off two of Europe’s most dangerous sides – the Netherlands and Sweden – to draw.
After defeating Germany and Spain on their way to the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup, Japan has shown the world that it can solve problems, especially on the big stage of the game.
The coach of the Japanese team, Hajime Moriyasu, has said that his team can beat them in the last 16.
“All the players have done their best for the team and contributed,” Moriyasu said on Sunday. “The team is united, and that feeling is growing now.”
Japan’s best World Cup finish has been in the round of 16 four times: 2002, 2010, 2018 and 2022. They have never won a World Cup knockout game.
Brazil vs Japan: master vs student
Founded in 1993, the most successful J-League in Japan, was heavily inspired by Brazil and recruited many of their players.
Zico, the star of Brazil’s famous 1982 World Cup team, was lured out of his career to join Kashima Antlers, while internationals Bismarck and Elivelton introduced Brazil’s national team players to Japan.
By the end of the 1990s, seven of the Brazilian team that won the 1994 World Cup, including captain Dunga, had played or were playing for Japanese clubs, and, in addition, supported the rapidly growing scene.
Brazil vs Japan Predictions
Opta’s supercomputers have calculated a 58.3 percent chance for Brazil to win the tournament in regulation time, while Japan are rated with an 18.1 percent chance of winning.
The chance of going to extra time – or possible penalties – is 23.6 percent.
Who will the winners face in the round of 16?
The winners of Brazil vs Japan will face either Norway or Ivory Coast in the round of 16.
Brazil vs Japan: Kick-off time, telecast
- Brazil: CazeTV, TV Globo, GETV, Globoplay, sportv (2pm, Brasilia Time)
- Japan: NHKBS1, DAZN, Fuji TV (2am Tuesday, Japan Standard Time)
- United Kingdom: ITVX, ITV1, STV Player, STV (6pm, British Summer Time)
- USA: FOX, FOX One, Telemundo App, Telemundo Network, Peacock, (1pm, Eastern Daylight Time)
To view the TV schedule for your country, visit the FIFA TV schedule Here.
Brazil vs Japan: head to head
In the entire head-to-head history, Brazil lost only once to Japan (W11 D2 L1). In their only World Cup 20 years ago in Germany 2006, Brazil won 4-1.
Interestingly, Japan’s only win over Brazil came in their most recent clash, a 3-2 win in a friendly in October 2025 when Brazil conceded a two-goal lead in Tokyo, with Ueda scoring the winner.
Brazil vs Japan: Team news
Raphinha is out for Brazil with a hip injury, while Japan’s Takefusa Kubo is out with a knee injury.
Neymar, who made his first appearance for Brazil since October 2023 when he came off the bench in the final, will be able to play more minutes against Japan. The star director is working his way back to health after dealing with a long-term calf injury.
A predicted Brazilian line
(4-3-3): Alisson (goalkeeper); Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Santos; Guimaraes, Casemiro, Paqueta; Rayan, Cunha, Vinicius Jr
The predicted Japanese line
(3-4-2-1): Suzuki (goalkeeper); Tomiyasu, Taniguchi, Ito; Doan, Sano, Tanaka, Nakamura; Ito, Kamada; Ueda
