The World Cup round of 32 continues today as Brazil face Japan in Houston.
The Selecao, managed by Carlo Ancelotti, reached the knockout phase with ease after swatting aside both Haiti and Scotland in Group C, but their opening draw with Morocco was some cause for concern.
Neymar made an appearance off the bench against the Scots, but he’s unlikely to make a serious contribution here.
Vinicius Jr has been their star man and is looking to score his fifth goal of the tournament as one of those stars chasing Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race, having netted in every game so far.
Japan, meanwhile, qualified second from Group F following draws against both the Netherlands and Sweden and a 4-0 thrashing of Tunisia.
Blue Samurai boss Hajime Moriyasu masterminded defeats of both Germany and Spain at the last World Cup - could he achieve another major upset here?
Date, kick-off time and venue
Brazil vs Japan is scheduled for a 6pm BST kick-off today on Monday June 29, 2026.
The match will take place at Houston Stadium.
Where to watch Brazil vs Japan for FREE
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live and free-to-air on ITV1, with coverage starting at 5.15pm BST.
Live stream: UK viewers can also catch the contest live online via ITVX app or ITV website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.
Free highlights: World Cup highlights are available on FIFA’s official YouTube channel, along with the ITVX app and BBC iPlayer.
Brazil vs Japan team news
Brazil are still missing Raphinha after a hamstring injury ruled him out of the Scotland game. He is working hard to return for the last 16, should his side make it that far.
Bournemouth winger Rayan replaced him in the starting XI in the only change Ancelotti made for that match and looked sharp.
The rest of the team appears settled, with Brazil’s lack of quality depth compared with their classic squads of the past meaning the Italian is unlikely to make changes again.
Casemiro, 34, is the anchor of Brazil’s midfield, but may be overrun against the more energetic Japan.
Brazil squad: Alisson Becker, Ederson, Weverton, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Gleison Bremer, Leo Pereira, Roger Ibanez, Danilo, Alex Sandro, Douglas Santos, Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes, Ederson, Fabinho, Danilo, Lucas Paqueta, Vinicius Jr, Raphinha, Matheus Cunha, Luiz Henrique, Gabriel Martinelli, Neymar, Endrick, Rayan, Igor Thiago
Japan saw captain Wataru Endo ruled out ahead of the tournament as the Liverpool midfielder announced his shock international retirement, with Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma not picked due to injury.
Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo should be available following a knee injury. Despite centre-back Ko Itakura’s early withdrawal against Sweden, he should also play.
Celtic forward Daizen Maeda scored against Sweden and will look to do so again here.
Japan squad: Tomoki Hayakawa, Keisuke Osako, Zion Suzuki, Yuto Nagatomo, Shogo Taniguchi, Ko Itakura, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Hiroki Ito, Ayumu Seko, Yukinari Sugawara, Junosuke Suzuki, Junya Ito, Daichi Kamada, Koki Ogawa, Daizen Maeda, Ritsu Doan, Ao Tanaka, Kaishu Sano, Takefusa Kubo, Ayase Ueda, Keito Nakamura, Ito Suzuki, Kento Shiode, Keisuke Goto
Brazil vs Japan prediction
Brazil’s squad is not good enough to win the World Cup, but on paper should be able to get past the likes of Japan, especially with Vinicius Jr and Matheus Cunha in the form they’re in.
However, Moriyasu’s side are no pushovers and I’m backing them to make the last 16 and claim a shock maiden World Cup knockout win.
They are a more energetic and fast-paced team than the Selecao, who were outrun by Morocco in their opener.
Japan to win, 3-1.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Brazil have historically dominated Japan, but in their most recent clash in October 2025, Japan came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 in Tokyo to seal their first-ever win over the Selecao.
Brazil wins: 11
Japan wins: 1
Draws: 2
Brazil vs Japan match odds
Odds via betting sites (subject to change).
