- Brazil vs Japan lineups: Neymar has been named on the bench as the Selecao aim to book their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- The match will be played at Houston Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 8pm EAT.
- The winner of this clash will face either Norway or Ivory Coast in the Round of 16.
Carlo Ancelotti has named Neymar on the bench as Brazil take on Japan tonight in Houston in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash, from 8pm EAT.
The Selecao’s all-time leading scorer made his first appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup when he came on for the final 15 minutes in Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Scotland last week.
The cameo marked his return from injury after missing the group-stage matches against Morocco and Haiti.
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Official Brazil vs Japan lineups
Tactically, coach Ancelotti is sticking with a balanced 4-3-3 formation and has named an unchanged starting XI from the side that defeated Scotland.
The double pivot of Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes provides solid defensive protection, allowing Lucas Paqueta the freedom to connect with the attack.
Up front, Brazil’s game plan revolves around Vinícius Junior’s blistering pace to keep Japan’s wing-backs pinned deep.
The Real Madrid star will be aiming to score in his fourth consecutive 2026 World Cup match, having found the net in each of his previous three games, including a brace against Scotland. Meanwhile, young star Rayan continues to impress on the right wing.
Brazil heads into this encounter without the injured Raphinha.
- Brazil starting lineup: Alisson Becker, Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Douglas Santos, Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro, Lucas Paqueta, Rayan, Matheus Cunha, Vinicius Junior (4-3-3)
- Brazil substitutes: Ederson Silva, Fabinho, Ederson, Leo Pereira, Alex Sandro, Roger Ibanez, Gabriel Martinelli, Igor Thiago, Danilo Santos, Endrick, Luiz Henrique, Bremer, Neymar, Weverton
Japan responds with Hajime Moriyasu’s trademark, highly disciplined 3-4-2-1 system, but they have been forced into key defensive and midfield changes following an injury setback.
Defensive stalwart Ko Itakura starts on the bench after picking up an injury against Sweden, prompting Hiroki Ito to move into central defence alongside Takehiro Tomiyasu and Shogo Taniguchi.
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Wing-backs Ritsu Doan and Keito Nakamura will be tasked with tracking Vinícius Júnior while also providing an outlet on swift counter-attacks.
Further forward, the absence of midfield maestro Takefusa Kubo has prompted a reshuffle in the creative areas, leaving Daichi Kamada and Junya Ito with the responsibility of orchestrating attacks behind striker Ayase Ueda.
- Japan starting lineup: Zion Suzuki, Hiroki Ito, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Shogo Taniguchi, Daichi Kamada, Keito Nakamura, Ritsu Doan, Kaishu Sano, Daizen Maeda, Ayase Ueda, Junya Ito (3-4-2-1)
- Japan substitutes: Keisuke Osako, Shuto Machino, Ko Itakura, Ayumu Seko, Kento Shiogai, Keisuke Goto, Koki Ogawa, Yukinari Sugawara, Junnosuke Suzuki, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Ao Tanaka, Yuito Suzuki, Takefusa Kubo, Yuto Nagatomo, Tomoki Hayakawa
Both teams enter the knockout stage in devastating attacking form, having each scored seven goals during the group stage.
Brazil topped Group C, sealing qualification with a commanding 3-0 victory over Scotland.
Japan progressed from a demanding Group F after finishing second following a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Sweden.
While Brazil enters as the statistical favourite, Japan carries a significant psychological advantage.
In their last meeting in October 2025, Japan produced a remarkable comeback to beat Brazil 3-2 after trailing 2-0 at halftime -a giant-killing display they will be hoping to replicate tonight.
The winner of this clash will face either Norway or Ivory Coast in the Round of 16.
Where to watch Brazil vs Japan in Kenya
In Kenya, you can catch the crucial Round of 32 2026 World Cup clash Brazil vs Japan live on SuperSport International (via DStv Channel 222) or on Azam TV Kenya through Azam Sports 2 HD and Azam Sports 4 HD.
Read more about other World Cup teams in 2026 below:
Morocco national football team 2026
Argentina national football team 2026
Mexico national football team 2026
Spain national football team 2026
Brazil national football team 2026
France national football team 2026
Senegal national football team 2026