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

The Selecao will take on the Blue Samurai in the Round of 32.

The five-time World Champions will lock horns against the Asian giants Japan in their first knockout clash. The Selecao come into this World Cup with a lot of expectations, as always.

They will now face tough opposition that was unbeaten in their group games. The Samurai Blue did really well in their group and showed. They will not be an easy side to beat at all.

Brazil did struggle against Morocco in their first game, but after that did really well against Scotland and Haiti. Carlo Ancelotti will hope his team do their job very well in the round of 32. Brazil will have to follow their tactical plan very well.

Japan are a well-drilled, cohesive side who can hurt them. Quality-wise, surely the Selecao are a better team, but in knockout fixtures, anything can happen.

On the other hand, Japan will be a bit concerned with its defence. However, they are a side that will not sit back and allow the opposition to dominate. The Samurai Blue have proven time and again that they possess the structural discipline and technical capacity to take on the best teams.

They have beaten the Brazil side only once in the past. Surely they will go into this fixture without any fear at all. This will be a mouthwatering clash for sure, as the stakes are very high.

Kick-Off:

• Location: Houston, USA
• Stadium: Houston Stadium
• Date: Monday, 29 June
• Kick-Off Time: 01:00 PM (EST) | 06:00 PM (GMT) | 10:30 PM (IST)
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In Use

Form

Brazil (in all competitions): W-W-D-W-W

Japan (in all competitions): D-W-D-W-W

Players to Watch

Vinicius Jr (Brazil)

He is the star of the team right now. Vinicius Jr is having a brilliant World Cup campaign so far. He helped his side by scoring goals.

Vini Jr’s stats while playing for Brazil were awful, and he was often criticised by the fans and by the media for this. But in this edition of the World Cup, he is proving them wrong and doing really well. So far, he has scored four goals and provided one assist in three group games.

He will be a big threat to the Japan team, as he will be full of confidence.

Daichi Kamada (Japan)

He is the heart of the Japanese midfield; his all-around performance has impressed everyone. Kamada did his job really well in the group stage. Now he will be very well tested against Brazil’s quality midfield.

In three games, he scored twice and showed that he can do his offensive and defensive jobs really well. He will be key to Japan’s performance against Brazil in the Round of 32.

Match Facts

• This will be the second time these two sides will face each other in the FIFA World Cup.
• In the 2006 World Cup, Brazil beat Japan by 4-1.
• Both sides are undefeated in the World Cup so far.

Brazil vs Japan: Betting Tips & Odds

• Tip 1 – Brazil to win this fixture – 7/10 by bet365
• Tip 2 – Both sides to score
• Tip 3 – Goals scored over 1.5

Injury and Team News

All the players are fully fit to play. There are no suspension and injury concerns for both the sides.

Head-to-Head

Matches: 14

Brazil: 11

Japan: 1

Draws: 2

Predicted Lineups

Brazil Predicted Lineup (4-4-2):

Becker (GK); Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Santos; Paqueta, Guimarães, Casemiro, Vini Jr; Cunha, Raphinha

Japan Predicted Lineup (3-4-3):

Suzuki (GK); Seko, Itakura, Ito; Sugawara, Kamada, Tanaka, Nakamura; Doan, Ueda, Maeda

Match Prediction

Both teams had a great group stage in this edition’s World Cup. Now this will be a big challenge for both sides on their road to make it into the round of 16.

This will be a very tight fixture. Most probably will go to extra time. Brazil does have more experience in playing these big matches, and most probably, they will win this.

Prediction: Brazil 3-2 Japan

Telecast Details

India: Unite8 Sports Channels

UK: ITV, BBC

USA: FOX Sports

Nigeria: DStv

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