Brazil boasts a star-studded squad befitting a title favorite

Japan are underdogs but have been on a strong run

Unbeaten in last 10 matches with 7 wins and 3 draws, including victories over England and Brazil

Manager Moriyasu vows to 'change history'

Kamada Daichi celebrates after scoring the opening goal for Japan against Tunisia in Group F at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. [Getty Images]
Kamada Daichi celebrates after scoring the opening goal for Japan against Tunisia in Group F at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. [Getty Images]

Japan, with its sights set on winning the World Cup, will face Brazil — the tournament's most decorated champion — in the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Brazil is widely favored, but some observers believe Japan, which has held its own against top footballing nations in recent months, could pull off a miracle.

Japan takes on Brazil on Tuesday at Houston Stadium in Texas. Brazil finished first in Group C during the group stage, while Japan came second in Group F.

It will not be the first time the two sides have met at a World Cup. At the 2006 Germany World Cup group stage, which featured 32 nations, Japan lost to Brazil 4-0 and failed to advance to the round of 16.

On paper, Brazil holds the clear advantage. Ranked sixth in the world by FIFA, the five-time World Cup champions boast a glittering squad that includes Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid), Matheus Cunha and Casemiro (Manchester United), and Magalhaes (Arsenal).

Vinicius Junior, a key figure at Real Madrid, has scored four goals in the tournament, placing him joint second in the scoring charts behind Argentina's Lionel Messi, who leads with six. Brazil are further strengthened by manager Carlo Ancelotti, who holds the record for the most UEFA Champions League titles as a coach, with five.

Brazil drew 1-1 with Morocco in their opening group match but then showed their title-contender credentials by thrashing Haiti and Scotland 3-0 apiece.

Brazil and Morocco play to a draw in their Group C opener on June 14. [AP]
Brazil and Morocco play to a draw in their Group C opener on June 14. [AP]

Japan may be considered underdogs against Brazil, but they are far from a pushover. Twenty-three of the 26 players in their World Cup squad play in Europe, including several in top leagues — among them Kamada Daichi (Crystal Palace in England) and Ito Hiroki (Bayern Munich in Germany).

Under manager Moriyasu Hajime, whose tactics emphasize a solid defensive shape and high-pressure play, Japan has transformed into a side that can compete with anyone. That was on full display at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, where Japan beat both Germany and Spain — two former World Cup winners — to top their group and advance to the round of 16.

Japan has also been on an unbeaten run of 10 matches (7 wins, 3 draws) stretching from a friendly against the United States last September through the group stage of this World Cup. During that stretch, they defeated both England and Brazil. In a friendly against Brazil in Tokyo last October, Japan came from 2-0 down to win 3-2. In April, they beat England 1-0 at Wembley Stadium in London, becoming the first Asian nation to defeat England.

Speaking at a news conference on Sunday ahead of the Brazil match, Moriyasu said, "Even before last year's friendly against Brazil, people said we had no chance — but we won." He added: "This time, too, we can change history."


yeongdai@heraldcorp.com