Brazil vs Japan: The World Cup is shaping up to be a potential classic

Brazil and Japan meet on Monday 29 June in what promises to be a potential FIFA World Cup classic. The five-time champions, who entered the Round of 32 undefeated, will take on the fluid and innovative Samurai Blue at Houston Stadium.

Last October, in an international friendly, Japan caused a major upset against Brazil after overcoming a two-goal half-time deficit to win 3-2. That game didn’t carry major consequences, but it failed in this one, and the stakes will be infinitely higher. Photo: Reuters

Rayan, one of Brazil’s most promising young talents, admitted at the pre-match press conference that he didn’t know much about the Japanese squad.

“I don’t know who their best player is,” Rayan said when asked by a Japanese reporter. “I would have to watch the video to tell you that. We know that Japan is a very strong team and we have to work hard to give everything and beat them.”

Brazil will be on their toes when they come face-to-face with Samurai Blue in the Round of 32 on Monday afternoon in Houston.

Japan may not have global superstars, but their style of play has drawn praise at the World Cup. Their constant movement and clever use of space trouble opposition midfielders and helped them punch above their weight to earn draws against the Netherlands and Sweden in the group stage.

Ayase Ueda, who plays for Dutch side Feyenoord, and Crystal Palace’s Daichi Kamada share the team lead with two goals in the group stage. It was Ueda who completed the comeback, scoring the decisive goal against Brazil in last year’s friendly.

Japan certainly don’t have the history that Brazil boast or the same attacking firepower, but their organization and discipline could be the difference in this tie.

“Some people will say that Japan is the underdog. We will play with that in mind. We will respect the opponent, but just like last year (in the friendly win), we didn’t get a chance to win. This chance to win — we can change history,” Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said before the match.

BRAZIL: WILL NEYMAR PLAY?

After opening with a draw against Morocco, Brazil responded with 3-0 wins over Haiti and Scotland to top Group C. Vinicius Junior (four) and Matheus Cunha (three) combined for all Brazil’s goals so far, with Bruno Guimaraes providing three assists.

They have coped well with the absence of Neymar, who was unavailable at the start of the tournament as he recovers from a calf injury sustained while playing for his club on 17 May. Neymar made his World Cup debut on Wednesday when he came on for the last 15 minutes against Scotland. Photo: Reuters

For what it’s worth, Neymar scored his first goal for Brazil against Japan at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and netted four goals in a friendly between the sides the following year.

Brazil fans will be hoping coach Carlo Ancelotti has the team on course for a record sixth World Cup title and their first since 2002.

“We are not perfect. We can improve. For example our pace on the ball. We can be faster,” Ancelotti said after the match in Scotland.

“But I’m pleased because the team has improved a lot since the first game. Now it’s a knockout competition. We have to show real courage.”

BRAZIL vs JAPAN: TIMING OF THE MATCH

Brazil vs Japan match will be played at 22:30 IST at Houston Stadium.

BRAZIL vs JAPAN: WHERE TO WATCH?

The Brazil vs Japan match will be broadcast on Unite8 on TV. Live streaming can be watched on Zee5 website.

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Issued by:

Kingshuk Kusari

Published on:

June 29, 2026 1:41 PM IST