Five-time champions Brazil begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout campaign with a Round of 32 clash against an increasingly confident Japan, as the two sides battle for a place in the last 16.

Brazil head into the contest after topping their group with composed performances, sealing qualification with a 3-2 victory over Scotland. Neymar's return has added creativity and experience to the Selecao, while Vinicius Junior and Matheus Cunha have been among their standout attacking performers.

Japan, meanwhile, have once again underlined their status as one of Asia's strongest footballing nations. The Samurai Blue progressed to the knockout rounds after finishing second in Group F with one win and two draws, including a 1-1 result against Sweden. They are now aiming to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history after falling in the Round of 16 on four previous occasions.

Brazil hold a dominant record in this fixture, winning 11 of the 14 meetings between the two nations. Their only previous World Cup encounter came in Germany in 2006, where Brazil recovered from conceding first to secure a convincing 4-1 victory.

Despite Brazil's historical advantage, Japan arrive with plenty of belief. They defeated Brazil 3-2 in an international friendly last October and are unbeaten in their last 10 matches. With most of their squad playing for leading European clubs, Japan possess the quality and tactical discipline to trouble any opponent.

Brazil are expected to rely on the pace and flair of Vinicius Junior, supported by Neymar and Matheus Cunha in attack, while Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes will be tasked with controlling midfield. Japan, meanwhile, will look to frustrate the South Americans with their organised defensive structure before launching quick transitions through Daichi Kamada, Kaoru Nakamura and Daizen Maeda.

A victory would keep Brazil on course for a record-extending sixth World Cup title, while Japan have the opportunity to script another famous chapter in their footballing history by finally breaking through to the quarter-finals.

Possible starting XIs

Brazil: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Alex Sandro; Bruno Guimarães, Casemiro, Lucas Paquetá; Rayan, Matheus Cunha, Vinícius Júnior.

Japan: Zion Suzuki; Hiroki Ito, Shogo Taniguchi, Takehiro Tomiyasu; Ritsu Doan, Ao Tanaka, Kaishu Sano, Keito Nakamura; Daizen Maeda, Daichi Kamada, Ayase Ueda.

Prediction

Brazil have looked composed throughout the tournament and possesses greater depth and attacking quality. Japan's disciplined approach and recent record against elite opposition suggest they will make life difficult, but the Selecao's firepower should prove decisive.