Brazil launch quest for last-sixteen spot against Japan

The highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash between Brazil and Japan is underway in Houston, with kick-off taking place at 11:00pm (Bangladesh time). Both sides are battling for a place in the Round of 16.

Brazil advanced to the knockout stage as Group C winners after recovering from a 1-1 draw with Morocco to register convincing 3-0 victories over Haiti and Scotland.

Japan, meanwhile, booked their place in the Round of 32 as runners-up in Group F. Hajime Moriyasu's side drew with the Netherlands and Sweden before sealing qualification with a commanding 4-0 win over Tunisia.

History favors the five-time world champions heading into the contest. Brazil have won all four of their previous FIFA World Cup matches against Asian opposition and are now aiming to extend that perfect record to five consecutive victories.

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has named an unchanged starting XI following the impressive win over Scotland, while Japan have made four changes. Takehiro Tomiyasu and Shogo Taniguchi return to bolster the defence, Kaishu Sano comes into midfield, and Junya Ito starts in attack.

With a place in the last sixteen at stake, Brazil will be looking to preserve their flawless World Cup record against Asian opponents, while Japan are hoping to produce another famous upset and continue their historic campaign.