The Brazilian team will face Japan at the Houston stadium. This is one of the most notable matches in the 1/16 round of the 2026 World Cup.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti's team won the top spot in Group C after two wins against Haiti and Scotland and a draw with Morocco in the opening match. Meanwhile, Japan surpassed Group F in second place thanks to a 4-0 victory over Tunisia and two draws against the Netherlands and Sweden.
The two teams once met in a friendly match in October 2025. At that time, Brazil led 2-0 but let Japan come back to win 3-2 after a lack of certainty in defense. However, Selecao has now significantly improved their defense under Ancelotti, promising to create a balanced and tight match.
Expected lineup of Brazil
According to Brazilian media, Carlo Ancelotti is likely to keep the same squad that defeated Scotland in the last round of the group stage. This means Neymar will continue to start on the bench.
Douglas Santos is likely to keep a starting spot on the left flank, while the defense and midfield framework have almost been shaped.
In the front line, Rayan continues to be trusted after successfully replacing Raphinha in the match against Scotland. The Bournemouth winger is likely to hold the right wing position because the Barcelona star has not fully recovered.
Matheus Cunha can continue to play highest in attack thanks to his mobile and effective playing style, despite the fact that Endrick receives a lot of support from fans.
(4-3-3): Alisson, Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Douglas Santos, Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Lucas Paqueta, Rayan, Matheus Cunha, Vinicius Junior.
Raphinha (hamstring injury).
Predicted lineup of Japan
Takefusa Kubo is still unable to train normally after a knee injury sustained in the opening match against the Netherlands. The possibility of the Real Sociedad star playing is still open.
Coach Hajime Moriyasu is likely to keep the same squad that drew 1-1 with Sweden in the last round of the group stage. However, Junya Ito - the player who scored in the victory against Tunisia - is still a possible option to consider for the starting lineup.
In addition, center-back Takehiro Tomiyasu is also an experienced choice if Moriyasu wants to strengthen the steel for the defense in the confrontation with a Brazil that owns a very strong attack.
(3-4-3): Zion Suzuki, Ayumu Seko, Ko Itakura, Hiroki Ito, Yukinari Sugawara, Daichi Kamada, Ao Tanaka, Keito Nakamura, Ritsu Doan, Ayase Ueda, Daizen Maeda.
Uncertain to play: Takefusa Kubo (knee injury).
The match between Brazil and Japan takes place at 0:00 AM on June 30 (Vietnam time).
