Brazil and Japan kick off day 2 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32 with Ancelotti’s men looking for revenge against the Samurai Blue.

The knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins for Brazil and Japan on Monday as the two nations meet in Houston for a place in the quarter-finals. While Brazil enter the Round of 16 as favourites after topping Group C, Carlo Ancelotti’s side know they cannot afford any complacency against a disciplined Japanese team that has already proven it can trouble elite opposition.

Preview

Brazil have looked every bit like one of the tournament favourites throughout the group stage. The five-time world champions finished top of their group after collecting seven points, defeating Scotland and Morocco while drawing with the Netherlands.

Much of Brazil’s success has been driven by Vinicius Junior, who has emerged as one of the standout performers of the tournament. The Real Madrid winger has been at the heart of almost everything Brazil have created, scoring crucial goals, providing assists, and constantly stretching opposition defences with his pace and direct running.

Vini 🇧🇷#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/7Ok8SN3DkC

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 29, 2026

Japan, however, will travel to Houston believing they are capable of causing another upset. The Samurai Blue reached the knockout rounds after navigating a difficult group with disciplined performances and tactical organisation. 

Their confidence will also come from a memorable 3-2 victory over Brazil in an international friendly last October, a result that proved they have the quality to exploit any lapses in concentration from the South Americans.

Hajime Moriyasu’s side are built around teamwork, quick transitions and relentless pressing rather than individual superstars. Players such as Kaoru Mitoma, Takefusa Kubo and Daichi Kamada possess the technical quality to punish Brazil on the counter-attack, while Japan’s disciplined defensive structure has frustrated stronger teams on numerous occasions over recent years.

Brazil’s greater tournament experience could ultimately prove decisive. Carlo Ancelotti has repeatedly stressed the importance of handling the pressure of knockout football, insisting his players must remain composed while sticking to their tactical plan. The possible return of Neymar, who has resumed training after injury, would provide another major boost even if he begins the match on the bench.

This promises to be an entertaining tactical battle between Brazil’s attacking brilliance and Japan’s organisation. The Selecao will dominate possession and look to create space through Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, while Japan will patiently wait for opportunities to break quickly and exploit any defensive gaps left behind.

The Round of 32 continues…#FIFAWorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 29, 2026

With a place in the World Cup quarter-finals on the line, neither side can afford mistakes. Brazil possess the greater individual quality and tournament pedigree, but Japan have repeatedly shown they thrive as underdogs. 

If Ancelotti’s men perform to their usual standards, they should have enough to edge a competitive contest, though the Samurai Blue are more than capable of making life extremely uncomfortable for one of the tournament favourites.

Predicted XI

Brazil Predicted XI:
Alisson; Vanderson, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Guilherme Arana; Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Lucas Paqueta; Rodrygo, Richarlison, Vinicius Junior.

Japan Predicted XI:
Suzuki; Sugawara, Itakura, Tomiyasu, Ito; Endo, Morita; Kubo, Kamada, Mitoma; Ueda.