Brazil
Brazil continue their quest for a record extending 6th World Cup win when they face Japan in Houston in the Last 32. They should be confident having won seven of the ten fixtures played between the two nations, although they were beaten for the only time last time they met in Tokyo in October 2025.
Carlo Ancelotti has guided the Selecao comfortably through the group stages with a 1-1 draw with Morocco & 3-0 victories over both Haiti & Scotland. Vinicius Jnr has been the star of the group stages, scoring in all three games including a double over Scotland in Miami
Injuries & Team News
Barcelona attacker Raphinha missed the 3-0 win over Scotland in Miami with a hamstring injury sustained in the Haiit win and he remains a doubt for this last 32 game in Houston.
That means Bournemouth winger Rayan could once again start in a front three with Vini Jnr & Matheus Cunha. The Bournemouth man is only 19 but he has not been overawed by the pressures of playing in a world cup for Brazil.
With Brazil likely to be unchanged that means the in-from Vinicius Jnr can add to his 3 goals so far, he joined an illustrious club by scoring in all three group games, joining Jairzinho, Romario, Ronaldo & Rivaldo.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 3-0 vs Scotland | W W W D WW |
Predicted Line-Up
Brazil possible starting lineup:
Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Santos; Guimaraes, Casemiro; Rayan, Paqueta, Vinicius Jr; Cunha
Japan
Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu made the bold claim that Japan should be challenging to win the World Cup and most experts scoffed at that idea but the “Samurai Blue” have been impressive in the last two years picking up notable scalps over the likes of Brazil & England.
They probably should have added the Netherlands to that list in the opening game of the Group Stage, for long periods they were the better side even though they had to twice come from behind to claim a 2-2 draw.
They followed that up with a free flowing attacking performance in a 4-0 victory over Tunisia, albeit it was a North African side off the back of a 5-1 loss. They ended the group with a 1-1 draw with Sweden confirming them in second place in the Group.
Injuries & Team News
Moriyasu has concerns over the fitness of central defender Ko Itakura who left the pitch against Sweden before half-time with what appeared to be a muscle injury, he has been named in a provisional squad so may well play.
Real Sociedad attacker Takefuso Kubo is another not fully fit and has missed a couple of days training with a knee injury, he is considered unlikely to start but may play a part off the bench.
Celtic striker Daizen Maeda scored in the 1-1 draw with Sweden and that is expected to earn him the starting role ahead of Junya Ito.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 1-1 vs Sweden | W W W D W D |
Predicted Line-Up
Japan possible starting lineup:
Suzuki; Ito, Tomiyasu, Itakura; Doan, Sano, Tanaka, Nakamura; Kamada, Maeda; Ueda
Betting Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil Win | 4/6 – (1.67) | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 11/4 – (3.75) | Dream Vegas |
| Japan Win | 4/1 – (5.00) | 247Bet |
Prediction
Brazil 1-2 Japan AET
Brazil have performed better each match this world cup but this is not the Brazil of old and they are vulnerable and i think this vibrant attacking Japanese side can take advantage of that. It might take a full 120 minutes but Japan to knock out the 5 times winners.