Japan's predicted lineup vs Brazil for FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash

Can the Asian powerhouse pull off a big upset in the Round of 32 against five-time world champions?

NRG Stadium in Houston, United States of America, gears up to host a highly anticipated Round of 32 fixture in the FIFA World Cup 2026, where Japan face the most successful side in FIFA World Cup history and five-time champions Brazil in what is set to be a thrilling battle.

The land of the rising sun eyes a big upset against the most successful side in the history of the FIFA World Cup in the Round of 32. After that draw against Sweden, Japan finished second in their group, unbeaten above Sweden and Tunisia and behind Netherlands.

Though they never made it to the semi-finals in any edition, they are arguably one of the most improved teams in the last few years. They have become the giant killers in the FIFA World Cup after they went on to defeat both Spain and Germany in the last edition.

Samurai Blue have scored seven goals so far and conceded 3. Their cumulative expected goal is close to an impressive four, so they pose serious threats to Brazil’s title ambitions. They have been unbeaten so far and it is never easy to beat Japan in such big games.

The winner of this game takes on either Norway or the Ivory Coast in the Round of 16 fixtures at the Dallas Stadium.

Japan team news ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 clash against Brazil

Samurai Blue have a pretty solid team on paper. Between the sticks, they could not have asked for someone better than Parma goalkeeper Suzuki. Their three-man defence has pure European class, including Bayern’s Ito, Ajax’s Itakura and Le Havre’s Seko.

Gone are those days when Japanese players played in Asian and domestic leagues. Interestingly, Japan might have more players competing in European leagues than Brazil. From Crystal Palace’s Kamada, who is coming after winning the UEFA Conference League with Oliver Glasner, to Leeds’ Tanaka, the midfield looks deadly.

Upfront, they have Frankfurt’s Doan, Celtic’s Maeda and Feyenoord’s Ueda as the main target options.

Japan predicted line-up vs Brazil (3-4-2-1)

Zion Suzuki (GK); Hiroki Ito, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ko Itakura; Ritsu Doan, Kaisei Sano, Ao Tanaka, Keito Nakamura; Daichi Kamada, Daizen Maeda; Ayase Ueda.

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