Brazil vs Japan: Five key battles to watch out for in FIFA World Cup 2026 clash

Brazil and Japan will face each other in the round of 32 in the FIFA World Cup 2026

The group stages are done, and now that the dust has settled, we have our 32 nations advancing to the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Group C winners Brazil will play Group F runner-ups Japan at the Houston Stadium in what is going to be an intense match.

Both teams were unbeaten in their respective groups heading into this knockout tie. Here are five key player battles to watch in the Brazil vs Japan round of 13 fixture that could decide the outcome:

5. Matheus Cunha vs Ko Itakura

Ko Itakura, Japan’s captain, plays at the heart of their defence. He even got an assist against Tunisia; however, he was substituted out in the 39th minute against Sweden, likely as a precaution due to discomfort he picked up in the game.

While Itakura is expected to start against Brazil, it has to be seen if he is 100% fit, as he will be going up against an in-form Matheus Cunha. The Manchester United player has scored 3 goals in 3 games and is combining well with his teammates. Cunha has also won the majority of his duels and has been good with his head.

4. Vinicius Junior vs Ritsu Doan

Vinicius has been the best player in this World Cup for the Brazilian national team so far. The Red Madrid superstar has scored four goals and provided one assist to his teammates. He has taken 12 shots, out of which 8 have been on target in this tournament.

Japan’s right-back Ritsu Doan will have his work cut out against the Brazilian winger. Ritsu has done well in the group stage and has one assist to his name. However, he will have to be at his very best to keep Vinicius quiet.

Also Read: Preview: Brazil vs Japan prediction, odds, where to watch, time | FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32

3. Gabriel Maghalaes vs Ayase Ueda

Brazil arguably have the best centre-back pairing in this World Cup, with Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhães in top form. Owing to this, the Seleção have conceded just one goal in their group stage campaign. Gabriel has been the pick of the defenders with 19 defensive contributions and 11 recoveries.

Japan’s striker Ayase Ueda will be their biggest threat in front of the goal. The 27-year-old has 2 goals and 1 assist to his name so far, with all of his goal contributions coming in the 4-0 win against Tunisia. Ueda will have to be in top form, as chances will be few and far between for the Samurai Blue.

2. Casemiro vs Daizen Maeda

Casemiro has been on song for Brazil in what is likely his last World Cup. The Manchester United player has won 19 duels in the midfield and has 26 defensive contributions to his name, alongside 11 tackles and 4 interceptions.

Daizen Maeda, playing behind Ayase Ueda, will be going up against Casemiro throughout the game. The Japanese attacker scored against Sweden and will be riding high on confidence. Aside from his attacking responsibilities, Maeda has also made 11 defensive contributions.

1. Bruno Guimaraes vs Daichi Kamada

The duel between these two Premier League players would probably define the game, as they have been the backbone of their respective midfields. Bruno Guimarães has three assists to his name in this FIFA World Cup, and he also has an 85% successful pass rate.

Daichi Kamada, on the other hand, has scored twice in the group stage. Aside from that, Kamada has an 83% pass success rate and has made 17 recoveries to help his team out in defence. Whoever wins this head-to-head duel could dictate the pace of this knockout match.

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