Brazil face Japan in World Cup 2026 last 32 fixture

By Lewis Hartnell · Senior Football Correspondent · 29.06.2026

By Lewis Hartnell — 29 June 2026 — 4 min read

Match preparations and team selections

The World Cup 2026 last 32 fixture between Brazil and Japan is underway. Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has maintained the same starting lineup that secured a victory against Scotland. In contrast, Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu has made four changes to his squad following their 1-1 draw with Sweden.

Among Japan‘s changes, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Shogo Toniguchi have been brought into the back three, replacing Ayumu Seko and Ko Itakura. Kaishu Sano has taken the place of Ao Tanaka in the midfield pivot. Additionally, Junya Ito starts at inside-right, with Ritsu Doan shifting to right wing-back, displacing Yukinan Sugawara.

Brazil‘s formation is a 4-3-3, featuring Alisson in goal, a defensive line of Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, and Douglas Santos. The midfield comprises Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, and Paqueta, while the attack is led by Rayan, Matheus Cunha, and Vinicius Jr. Japan is playing in a 3-4-2-1 formation with Zion Suzuki in goal, a backline of Tomiyasu, Toniguchi, and Hiroki Ito. The midfield includes Doan, Sano, Kamada, and Nakamura, supporting forwards Junya Ito, Daizen Maeda, and Ayase Ueda.

Early game action and notable moments

Early in the match, Brazil earned a free kick on the left side. The ball was delivered into the box, and Suzuki, the Japan goalkeeper, came out to claim it, though he briefly fumbled before regaining possession. Bruno Guimaraes had an early opportunity but rushed his cross, resulting in a misfire.

Brazil began to string passes together, with Danilo making a run down the right flank. His cross found Guimaraes, whose shot unfortunately hit Paqueta. Shortly after, Sano received the first yellow card of the match for treading on Vinicius Jr‘s foot. Matheus Cunha then had a half-chance for Brazil, curling a shot from the edge of the box with his left foot, which led to a corner. Guimaraes followed up with another shot, indicating Brazil was getting closer to opening the scoring.

Japan‘s Junya Ito was called for a handball in Brazil‘s half. Ito and Doan were observed to be doubling up on Vinicius Jr, who is expected to find a way through the defence despite the close marking. Brazil has shown dominance in possession, holding 74% of the ball and taking four out of five shots, with one on target. However, Japan‘s manager Moriyasu may be content with the early proceedings.

Japan‘s Sano then broke through the midfield, moving past Casemiro, and struck a right-footed shot into the far corner of the goal, opening the scoring for Japan. The match is being played in Houston, IL, at NRG Stadium, which is an indoor NFL facility with air conditioning, ensuring comfortable playing conditions despite external temperatures.

Player performances and betting insights

Several players have been highlighted for their potential impact. Ayase Ueda, for instance, scored a winner against Brazil in October and contributed two goals and an assist in Japan‘s matchday-two victory over Tunisia. Japan has a strong recent record, having lost only two of their last 28 international matches, and their counter-attacking style could challenge Brazil.

Keito Nakamura, a Japan wing-back, scored against the Netherlands on matchday one and has registered five shots in three World Cup starts. Vinicius Jr has been a significant threat for Brazil, scoring four goals from eight shots on target during the group stage against Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland. Ritsu Doan of Japan has a history of receiving cards, picking up eight yellow cards for club and country in 2025-26, including bookings against Brazil and Scotland.

Bruno Guimaraes has been instrumental for Brazil, setting up three of their seven goals in the group stage and providing seven assists for Newcastle in 2025-26. Danilo, Brazil‘s right-back, committed five fouls in three Group C matches, facing dangerous wide players from Japan. Japan scored seven goals in three group games, suggesting they can pose a threat to Brazil‘s defence.

Brazil drew 1-1 with Morocco in their World Cup opener, and this last-32 tie could potentially extend into extra time. Ayase Ueda scored 25 Eredivisie goals for Feyenoord and netted twice in the 4-0 group win over Tunisia.

In other football news, Manchester City has confirmed Enzo Maresca as their new manager.

Source: theguardian.com

Lewis Hartnell

Senior Football Correspondent

As News GB's Senior Football Correspondent, Lewis Hartnell reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He reported on south-coast football for a regional title. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Solent University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Lewis lives in Southampton, where he watches youth football and follows the transfer market. “The week's training ground decides the weekend's headlines.”