Brazil vs Japan Round of 32 Matchup: Date, Kickoff Time, Team News, Predicted Lineups, Head-to-Head
Brazil vs Japan FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 Preview
Brazil and Japan are set to clash in an exciting FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 encounter on Monday, June 29, 2026, at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. The five-time world champions enter the knockout stage as favourites, while Japan will be hoping to produce another memorable upset on football's biggest stage.
With a place in the Round of 16 at stake, fans can expect an intense battle between Brazil's attacking brilliance and Japan's disciplined, high-pressing style.
When is Brazil vs Japan Round of 32 Matchup?
Date: Monday, June 29, 2026
Where is Brazil vs Japan Round of 32 Matchup?
Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas, USA
What is Kickoff Time Brazil vs Japan Round of 32 Matchup
Houston (Central Time): 12:00 PM
Eastern Time (ET): 1:00 PM
GMT / UTC: 5:00 PM
How to Watch Brazil vs Japan Round of 32 Matchup Live
Fans can watch the Brazil vs Japan Round of 32 match through the following broadcasters:
United States: FOX Network, Peacock, Telemundo
United Kingdom: BBC, ITV
International: Check your local broadcaster or streaming service for live coverage.
Brazil vs Japan Round of 32 Matchup Team News
Brazil Team News
Brazil have received a major boost with Neymar returning from a calf injury. The experienced forward made a substitute appearance against Scotland and is expected to feature again.
However, Raphinha remains unavailable due to a thigh injury, while Rodrygo and promising youngster Estêvão have both been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament.
Japan Team News
Japan continue to deal with important absences.
Captain Wataru Endo has missed the entire World Cup because of a foot injury suffered before the tournament. Takefusa Kubo remains doubtful after sustaining a knee injury, while experienced attacker Takumi Minamino is sidelined with a torn ACL.
Brazil vs Japan Round of 32 Predicted Lineups
Brazil (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Hugo Souza
Defenders: Paulo Henrique, FabrÃcio Bruno, Lucas Beraldo, Carlos Augusto
Midfielders: Bruno Guimarães, Casemiro, Lucas Paquetá
Forwards: Luiz Henrique, Matheus Cunha, VinÃcius Júnior
Substitute to Watch: Neymar
Japan (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Zion Suzuki
Defenders: Yukinari Sugawara, Ko Itakura, Ayumu Seko, Hiroki Ito
Midfielders: Ao Tanaka, Daichi Kamada
Attacking Midfield: Ritsu Doan, Takumi Minamino, Keito Nakamura
Striker: Ayase Ueda
Brazil vs Japan Head-to-Head Record
Brazil have historically dominated this fixture.
Total Matches: 14
Brazil Wins: 11
Japan Wins: 1
Draws: 2
Most Recent Meeting
The latest meeting between the two nations ended in a dramatic 3-2 victory for Japan in an international friendly on October 14, 2025, with the Samurai Blue completing an incredible comeback after trailing 2-0.
Brazil vs Japan Round of 32 Prediction
Brazil enter the match with greater experience, superior squad depth, and world-class attacking talent. Japan are capable of causing problems through their disciplined defensive structure and quick counter-attacks, but overcoming one of the tournament favourites will be a difficult challenge.
If Brazil convert their chances and remain defensively organised, they should have enough quality to secure qualification for the Round of 16.
Prediction: Brazil 2-1 Japan
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