Brazil back on track, ready for Japan test

Brazil appear to have rediscovered their rhythm just before the knockouts as the five-time champions will look to overcome their first knockout hurdle at the FIFA World Cup 2026 when they take on a spirited Japan in a Round of 32 clash in Houston on Monday night.

The contest promises to be one of the standout ties of the Round of 32 after the expanded tournament format produced relatively few heavyweight clashes during the group stage.

Both teams, however, were tested by difficult opposition in the opening phase of the tournament. Drawn in Group C, Brazil began their quest for a record-extending sixth World Cup title with a 1-1 draw against Morocco before registering emphatic 3-0 victories over Haiti and Scotland to finish as group champions.

Japan, meanwhile, secured second place in Group F after drawing with both the Netherlands and Sweden while also thrashing Tunisia 4-0 in their final group match.

Although Brazil made a sluggish start, Carlo Ancelotti’s side gathered momentum as the tournament progressed. Vinicius Jr. and Matheus Cunha have been instrumental in that revival, scoring four and three goals respectively, while bringing back glimpses of the famous ‘Joga Bonito’ in Brazil's last two outings.

After conceding against Morocco, Brazil’s defence has also looked increasingly solid as they didn’t concede anymore goal in the group stage. Douglas Santos, Gabriel, Marquinhos and Danilo have formed a well-organised backline, while the midfield trio of Lucas Paqueta, Bruno Guimaraes and Casemiro have steadily grown into the tournament after coming under scrutiny early on.

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During the ‘bKash Presents The Dream Cup with Hamza’ show, Bangladesh star footballer Hamza Choudhury expressed confidence in both Brazil and Vinicius Jr.

“He [Vinicius Jr.] is very hard to stop, especially when he gets going. He is super-fast, clinical and creates a lot of chances. Every defender will be afraid of playing against him,” said Hamza.

“I think Brazil have a really good chance, especially with Carlo Ancelotti in charge. He is a very experienced manager who has won a lot of trophies, and they also have a very talented squad. They look solid defensively too.

“The important player for Brazil is obviously Vinicius, but I think the key figures will be Marquinhos and Gabriel at the back. In knockout football, the team that concedes the fewest goals usually wins the tournament. If Brazil can manage that, they will have a very good chance,” said Hamza, hoping to see Brazil at least in semifinal.

Brazil are expected to field an unchanged starting XI, with winger Raphinha still recovering from a tear in the biceps femoris of his right leg, sustained during the 3-0 win over Haiti.

Historically, Brazil have dominated this fixture. Japan have managed just one victory in 14 meetings, alongside two draws and 11 defeats. That lone success came in an international friendly in October 2025 – the last time both the teams face each other – when Japan overturned a two-goal deficit to win 3-2.

Brazil’s talismanic striker Neymar has also enjoyed remarkable success against Japan, scoring nine goals in just five appearances, including four in a 2014 friendly and decisive strikes in 2017 and 2022. Having returned to the Brazil squad for the first time since October 2023 as a substitute against Scotland, the veteran forward will be hoping to continue his impressive record against the Samurai Blue.

“Neymar is creative and unpredictable. He doesn’t just beat defenders, he embarrasses them,” Hamza added.

While Japan have never won a men’s World Cup knockout match, they have shown throughout the tournament that they are capable of upsetting more fancied opponents. Brazil, however, will be determined to justify their favourites’ tag and move one step closer to keeping their long-cherished Hexa dream alive.