Brazil vs Japan: Kick-off time, TV details, predicted line-ups and World Cup 2026 preview

Carlo Ancelotti's side progressed as winners of Group C after collecting seven points from their three matches, while Japan advanced as runners-up in Group F following an unbeaten group-stage campaign.

The winner will face either Ivory Coast or Norway in the last 16.

Match details

Fixture: Brazil vs Japan
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 32
Date: Monday, June 29, 2026
Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas, USA

How Brazil reached the knockout stage

Brazil recovered from an opening 1-1 draw with Morocco by recording convincing 3-0 victories over Haiti and Scotland to finish top of their group.

The performances have strengthened confidence around the five-time world champions, who are aiming to lift the World Cup trophy for the first time since 2002.

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti is expected to stick with the side that comfortably defeated Scotland, with youngster Rayan likely to retain his place in attack. Neymar is expected to start among the substitutes as he continues his return to full fitness.

Japan looking to spring an upset

Japan have once again impressed on the global stage, remaining unbeaten through the group phase. Hajime Moriyasu's side drew with the Netherlands and Sweden before producing an emphatic 4-0 victory over Tunisia to secure second place in Group F.

The Blue Samurai will be without influential winger Takefusa Kubo, who has missed the tournament since suffering an injury in the opening match.

Japan are expected to rely on their organised defence, quick transitions and energetic pressing as they attempt to eliminate one of the tournament favourites.

Predicted line-ups

Brazil: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Douglas Santos; Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, Lucas Paquetá; Vinícius Júnior, Rayan, Matheus Cunha.

Japan: Zion Suzuki; Takehiro Tomiyasu, Shogo Taniguchi, Hiroki Ito; Keito Nakamura, Ao Tanaka, Kaishu Sano, Ritsu Doan; Daizen Maeda, Daichi Kamada; Ayase Ueda.

What to expect

Brazil enter the contest as favourites thanks to their superior squad depth and attacking quality, led by Vinícius Júnior and an experienced midfield anchored by Casemiro.

However, Japan have developed a reputation for causing problems for elite nations at recent World Cups. Their disciplined defensive structure and pace on the counter-attack could make this a more difficult test than Brazil's group-stage results might suggest.

With a place in the Round of 16 at stake, the match promises to be one of the standout ties of the opening knockout round.