Brazil starting lineup vs Japan confirmed as Neymar benched for FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match

Japan defeated Brazil 3-2 in their last friendly meeting in October last year.

Under Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil are keen on winning their sixth FIFA World Cup title. The last time Selecao won the coveted trophy was in 2002, and since then, it has been more than two decades during which the team has lived in its shadow.

For a change, one of the most decorated managers in modern-day football, Carlo Ancelotti, was given the chance to lead the most successful team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Starting their campaign in North America, the Seleção played a 1-1 draw against last edition’s semi-finalists, Morocco. Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr scored the equaliser for the five-time champions after Ismael Saibari broke the deadlock.

However, they started catching up in form from the second group-stage game against Haiti. Brazil defeated Haiti and Scotland with identical 3-0 scores to top Group C and secured a knockout-round clash against the runner-ups of Group F.

Thus, the Seleção are all set to face the Samurai Blue in their round of 32 clash at the Houston Stadium in Texas on Monday, June 29.

Vinicius Jr has been the top performer for Carlo Ancelotti’s side alongside Matheus Cunha. The two have scored all seven goals for Brazil in the ongoing FIFA World Cup.

Also Read: Brazil vs Japan pitch & weather report: Conditions revealed ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 clash

Brazil’s lineup for the FIFA World Cup match against Japan

Brazil XI (4-3-3): Alisson Becker (GK); Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Douglas Santos; Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, Lucas Paquetá; Vinícius Júnior, Matheus Cunha, Rayan Vitor

Thoughts on the lineup

Neymar will continue to miss out on a starting place; however, as in the side’s last game against Scotland, he could come on as a substitute. Liverpool star Alisson Becker, who has kept two clean sheets for the Seleção so far, will start in the goal.

Captain Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhães will form the centre-back duo, while Danilo and Douglas Santos will play on the flanks in the backline. Casemiro will provide defensive support, while Bruno Guimarães and Lucas Paquetá will provide creativity and create goal-scoring opportunities.

Matheus Cunha will play up front, while Vinícius Júnior and Rayan Vitor will provide support from the wings.

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