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Rabat – Brazil face Japan today at Houston Stadium in a highly anticipated Round of 32 match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Brazil qualified as Group C winners with seven points, finishing ahead of Morocco on goal difference. Japan placed second in Group F after completing the group stage without a defeat.
The winner will advance to the round of 16, where they will meet either Ivory Coast or Norway on July 5. Extra time and penalties will be used if the match remains level after 90 minutes.
Match details:
Fixture: Brazil vs Japan
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Round of 32
Venue: Houston Stadium, Houston
Date: Monday, June 29
Kick-off: 6:00 p.m. Morocco time / 5:00 p.m. GMT
How to watch: beIN Sports in MENA; FOX and Telemundo in the USA; ITV1 and ITVX in the UK
Brazil team news
Injuries/Suspensions: Raphinha remains a major doubt after suffering a hamstring injury against Haiti. The Barcelona winger missed Brazil’s final group match against Scotland and had not returned to full team training before the knockout game.
𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗 𝗢𝗙 𝟯𝟮: 𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗭𝗜𝗟 𝗩𝗦 𝗝𝗔𝗣𝗔𝗡 🇧🇷⚔️🇯🇵
Both teams have shown beautiful attacking football this World Cup, so expect a beautiful game of football 🔥
𝗗𝗜𝗗 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗞𝗡𝗢𝗪: Brazil is home to the largest Japanese community outside Japan? This one feels extra… pic.twitter.com/bkjl143g4k
— 433 (@433) June 28, 2026
Neymar is recovering from a calf injury. He made his tournament debut by playing just over 15 minutes against Scotland, and Carlo Ancelotti hopes to give him a larger role against Japan.
Brazil have no reported suspension concerns.
Recent Form: Brazil are unbeaten at the tournament. They opened with a 1–1 draw against Morocco before recording consecutive 3–0 victories over Haiti and Scotland.
The five-time champions looked increasingly comfortable as the group stage progressed. Their defense conceded only once, while the attack produced six goals across the final two matches.
Key Players: Vinícius Junior has been Brazil’s biggest threat, scoring in all three group matches. His speed and movement on the left will test Japan’s back three.
Matheus Cunha provides strength and intelligent movement through the middle, while Bruno Guimarães and Casemiro give Brazil control in midfield. Neymar could become an important option from the bench.
Likely XI: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Douglas Santos; Bruno Guimarães, Casemiro; Rayan, Paquetá, Vinícius; Cunha.
Japan team news
Injuries/Suspensions: Captain Ko Itakura is a minor doubt after leaving Japan’s 1–1 draw with Sweden during the first half because of physical discomfort.
The injury is not believed to be serious, but Takehiro Tomiyasu is available to return to the defense if Itakura cannot start. Japan have no reported suspensions.
Recent Form: Japan are unbeaten after three matches. They drew 2–2 with the Netherlands, defeated Tunisia 4–0 and finished the group stage with a 1–1 draw against Sweden.
Hajime Moriyasu’s side have shown organization, speed and confidence. Japan also beat Brazil 3–2 in a friendly last October, a result that gives them belief before this knockout meeting.
Key Players: Ayase Ueda will lead the attack, while Daichi Kamada and Daizen Maeda can exploit spaces during transitions.
Ritsu Doan provides creativity and attacking width, while goalkeeper Zion Suzuki may need a major performance against Brazil’s forwards.
Likely XI: Suzuki; Hiroki Ito, Tomiyasu, Itakura; Doan, Sano, Tanaka, Nakamura; Kamada, Maeda; Ueda.
What to expect
Brazil are favorites because of their quality, experience and attacking depth. Ancelotti’s side will try to control possession and create one-on-one opportunities for Vinícius.
Japan will remain compact and look to attack quickly after winning the ball. Their movement and technical quality can punish Brazil if the South American side commit too many players forward.
Brazil must also avoid underestimating an opponent that has already beaten them under Ancelotti. Japan have never defeated Brazil at a World Cup, but they enter this match believing the gap between the teams is smaller than before.
Safe bets
Brazil to Qualify: Brazil have greater knockout experience and more individual match-winners.
Under 3.5 Goals: Japan are organized, and knockout games often become cautious.
Vinícius Junior to Score or Assist: The winger has contributed consistently throughout the tournament.
