Brazil vs Japan Lineups for the 2026 FIFA World Cup – The match between Brazil and Japan is one of the most anticipated encounters in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Both teams enter the match with high confidence after delivering consistent performances throughout the group stage.

A match that is certain to attract significant attention, Brazil and Japan will face each other in one of the most exciting clashes in the Round of 32 of the World Cup.

The match is scheduled to take place at Houston Stadium on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 12:00 PM local time.

Brazil and Japan previously met in an international friendly in October 2025. On that occasion, Japan defeated Brazil with a score of 3–2. This match will serve as an opportunity for Brazil to seek revenge.

Before the match begins, take a look at Mansion Sports' prediction for the Brazil vs Japan lineups for the 2026 FIFA World Cup below.

Team News Ahead of the Match

Brazil

It is not about how you start, but how you finish. That has undoubtedly become Brazil's mantra since their disappointing 1–1 draw against Morocco before they recovered in convincing fashion in Group C.

Back-to-back 3–0 victories over Haiti and Scotland, largely inspired by Vinicius Junior and Matheus Cunha, helped Carlo Ancelotti's side qualify for the knockout stage as group winners, finishing ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinalists Morocco on goal difference.

Since 1982, the five-time world champions have never failed to qualify for the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup. They are now on a path that could potentially lead to a semifinal meeting with the defending champions and fellow South American rivals, Argentina, in a highly anticipated encounter.

However, the Selecao players are certainly not looking that far ahead. Carlo Ancelotti's team is currently in outstanding form after winning five of their last six matches, having previously managed only five victories in their previous 12 matches before this positive run began.

Brazil have also recorded two consecutive clean sheets after previously conceding at least one goal in six straight matches before defeating Haiti. However, the South American giants looked disorganized defensively the last time they faced Japan.

Japan

Without Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos in Brazil's defensive line, Japan secured a 3–2 victory over the Selecao in an international friendly in October. The result marked Japan's first-ever victory over the five-time world champions after 14 previous meetings.

That victory in the five-goal thriller was one of several impressive results achieved by Hajime Moriyasu's side against top national teams. They also defeated England and drew with the Netherlands during 2026, further reinforcing their status as one of the dark horses in the FIFA World Cup.

Nevertheless, Japan had to settle for second place in Group F after drawing 1–1 with Sweden on June 25. During that match, goalkeeper Zion Suzuki made several crucial saves to ensure the Samurai Blue remained second in the group standings.

Anthony Elanga's spectacular goal for Sweden was only the third goal conceded by Japan across their last 540 minutes of football. That record offers hope that the Samurai Blue can finally end the curse that has continued to haunt them in the FIFA World Cup.

In fact, Japan have never won a men's FIFA World Cup knockout-stage match. They were eliminated in the Round of 16 in the 2002, 2010, 2018, and 2022 editions, while in every other appearance since 1998 they failed to progress beyond the group stage.

Brazil vs Japan Lineups for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Brazil (4-2-3-1)

Regarding Brazil's squad condition, they successfully defeated Scotland without Barcelona winger Raphinha, who suffered a hamstring injury during the match against Haiti in the second group-stage fixture and has yet to return to full team training.

Although Raphinha's availability for Monday's match remains uncertain, Carlo Ancelotti is expected to retain the same starting lineup. This means Bournemouth wonderkid Rayan could make his first FIFA World Cup knockout-stage start alongside the in-form Vinicius Junior.

The Real Madrid winger has now become one of only five Brazilian players to score in every group-stage match of a FIFA World Cup campaign. On each of the previous four occasions, the Selecao went on to win the World Cup, with Jairzinho in 1970, Romario in 1994, and Ronaldo and Rivaldo in 2002.

Japan (3-4-2-1)

Regarding Japan's squad condition, central defender Ko Itakura was forced off early against Sweden after suffering an injury in the 39th minute. However, the injury is not believed to be serious.

The greater concern is centered on forward Takefusa Kubo, who has yet to resume full training due to a knee injury. As a result, his chances of featuring in the Round of 32 are considered very slim.

After scoring the opening goal in the previous match, Celtic forward Daizen Maeda has likely done enough to retain his place ahead of Junya Ito. Meanwhile, midfielder Kaishu Sano is expected to return to the starting lineup in place of Yukinari Sugawara.

The match is expected to be highly competitive, considering that both teams possess players capable of making the difference on the pitch.

Brazil enter the match with the ambition of avenging their defeat in the previous meeting, while Japan are determined to continue their positive record against top national teams.

It will be interesting to see how the Brazil vs Japan Lineups for the 2026 FIFA World Cup influence the course of the match until the final whistle.