Brazil, with the firepower of Neymar and Vinicius Jr., have looked every bit like a team capable of lifting a record-extending sixth FIFA World Cup 2026 trophy. Japan, meanwhile, have quietly gone about their business, earning respect without attracting the same headlines as football's traditional heavyweights.
So when the knockout draw threw up a Brazil versus Japan clash in the Round of 32 of FIFA World Cup 2026, most fans saw it as another routine hurdle for the Selecao on their road to the latter stages.