Brazil face Japan in an intriguing World Cup 2026 Round of 32 showdown at NRG Stadium in Houston on June 29.
The Selecao have been inconsistent under Carlo Ancelotti’s leadership, but they have shown some improvement in their last couple of World Cup games. After drawing 1-1 with Morocco in their group-stage opener, Brazil dispatched Haiti 3-0 before putting another three past Scotland.
Japan, meanwhile, qualified second from Group F following draws against both the Netherlands and Sweden and a 4-0 thrashing of Tunisia. The East Asian nation has been coping with major absentees such as Wataru Endo, Takumi Minamino, Takefusa Kubo and Kaoru Mitoma, but has remained a well-drilled and entertaining side.
Brazil vs Japan
Team News
Raphinha remains out with a hamstring injury, but Neymar finally returned for Brazil last week. He made an appearance off the bench against Scotland, and while the playmaker did not seem close to his very best, the 34-year-old’s presence is a big boost.
As for Japan, Ko Itakura was withdrawn early against Sweden due to injury. The defender should be available to face Brazil, but Takefusa Kubo has been ruled out following his failure to recover from a knee injury in time.
Brazil vs Japan
Predicted Lineups
Predicted Brazil lineup (4-2-3-1): Alisson Becker; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Douglas Santos; Bruno Guimarães, Casemiro; Rayan, Lucas Paqueta, Vinícius Jr.; Matheus Cunha
Predicted Japan lineup (3-4-3): Zion Suzuki; Hiroki Ito, Ko Itakura, Takehiro Tomiyasu; Ritsu Doan, Ao Tanaka, Daichi Kamada, Keito Nakamura; Daizen Maeda; Ayase Ueda, Junya Ito
Brazil vs Japan
Odds
As per Kalshi, Brazil are unsurprisingly the hot favourites to win this contest. They have a 73% chance of winning while Japan have been handed a 27% chance to pull off one of the biggest upsets of the World Cup and progress into the round of 16.
Vinicius Jr. is in red-hot form with four goals and three games, and the bookmakers are obviously backing the Real Madrid winger to score anytime at 39%. Matheus Cunha is also having a good World Cup and is given 32% odds to continue his goalscoring run. For the Samurai Blue, Ayase Ueda, who has two goals in three appearances, has odds at 19% to get on the scoresheet, followed by Daizen Maeda at 11%.
Brazil vs Japan
Prediction
Brazil have already had a warning of Japan’s talents, losing 3–2 in a friendly in Tokyo last October. That was a first defeat for the Selecao in this fixture after 11 wins and two draws. So, Hajime Moriyasu’s side are no pushovers, especially having registered famous victories over Germany and Spain at the 2022 World Cup.
However, Ancelotti’s side have some real firepower up top, and the return of Neymar last week has only enhanced their attack. Vinicius is firmly in the race for the Golden Boot, while Cunha and Rayan are complementing the Real Madrid star very well. The five-time champions are simply superior to the East Asian giants in every department and should progress, albeit with a tough challenge.
