Brazil face Japan in a Round of 32 encounter at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Brazil advanced into this tie as Group C winners, whilst Japan finished runners-up in Group F.
Team News
Brazil have no fresh injury concerns to report after their 3-0 win over Scotland, but Raphinha is a doubt after he missed that match with a hamstring injury.
Japan could be without Ko Itakura after he suffered a thigh injury during their 1-1 draw against Sweden.
Takefusa Kubo is a doubt as he continues to recover from a knee injury.
When is Kick-Off?
Brazil face Japan at NRG Stadium, Houston USA, at 12pm CDT (6pm BST) on Monday 29 June, live on ITV1 and ITVX in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Brazil won 4-1 in their only previous World Cup meeting against Japan in June 2006.
- This is Japan’s first knockout meeting against Brazil in a FIFA competition.
- Vinicius Junior has been involved in five of Brazil’s 13 goals in the tournament so far – having produced four goals and one assist in three appearances.
- Junya Ito produced more crosses in the Group Stage than any other Japan player (14).
Prediction
Having comfortably dispatched Haiti and Scotland in their last two matches, Brazil have to be favourites coming into this tie but I just feel that this could be like their opening 1-1 against Morocco in terms of oppositional quality, but they should really have better final touches compared to that match.
Japan meanwhile are well-prepared in terms of quality standards after coming through a tricky group against Netherlands, Tunisia and Sweden, so I expect them to make this as difficult as possible for Brazil with their organised defence and clinical attacking play.
As much as my instinct is saying that this could well finish 1-1 and Japan nick it on penalties, my logic is saying a tightly-fought win for Brazil in terms of quality firepower.
Prediction: Brazil 2-1 Japan
Result: Brazil 2-1 Japan
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