2026 World Cup: Brazil vs. Japan—Probable Lineups

Brazil and Japan face off at 7 p.m. (Italian time) in Houston in one of the most anticipated Round of 16 matches of the 2026 World Cup. An Italian referee, Mariani, will officiate the match. Ancelotti’s team enters the match after topping Group C ahead of Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti. Following an opening draw with the North Africans, the Seleção dispatched Scotland and Haiti with three goals each, making a strong impression on the field. Moriyasu’s team is poised to be one of the tournament’s dark horses and is dreaming of an upset: the Japanese finished second in their group, winning decisively against Tunisia and drawing with the Netherlands and Sweden.

The Verdeoro need to be careful: Japan beat them in one of their pre-World Cup friendlies and is a truly dangerous opponent. The Seleção will be without Raphinha: Cunha will be the center forward, supported by Rayan, Paquetá, and Vinícius, with Neymar ready to provide a boost off the bench. In midfield, Guimaraes partners with Casemiro.

The Blue Samurai have never won a knockout match in World Cup history and are fighting to rewrite their story. Ueda is the focal point of the attack, with Kamada and Maeda behind him. In midfield are Sano and Tanaka, while Doan and Nakamura will play on the wings.

Brazil vs. Japan: Probable Lineups
BRAZIL (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Santos; Guimaraes, Casemiro; Rayan, Paqueta, Vinicius Jr.; Cunha.
JAPAN (3-4-2-1): Suzuki; Ito, Tomiyasu, Itakura; Doan, Sano, Tanaka, Nakamura; Kamada, Maeda; Ueda.