BrazilvsJapan

Brazil edged Japan 2–1. Goalscorers — Brazil: Casemiro 56', G. Martinelli 90'+5; Japan: K. Sano 29'.

Brazil met Japan in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Houston Stadium in Houston on Monday, June 29, 2026. It belongs to the Round of 32 — the opening knockout stage introduced for the expanded 48-team format in 2026, bringing together the 12 group winners, 12 runners-up and the eight best third-placed teams. From this point the tournament is win-or-go-home.

Brazil go in ranked 6th in the FIFA World Ranking to Japan's 18th — a gap of 12 places that gives Brazil the edge on paper. It is an inter-confederation meeting — Brazil of CONMEBOL against Japan of AFC — the kind of contrast in styles the World Cup exists to stage.

Brazil arrive at the 2026 World Cup determined to end their longest-ever drought without the trophy. The five-time champions have not lifted the World Cup since 2002, and their quarterfinal exit on penalties against Croatia in 2022 was another painful chapter.

Japan arrive at the 2026 World Cup as Asia's strongest representative and a team that has demonstrated they can compete with the very best in the world. The Samurai Blue stunned both Germany and Spain in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup, showcasing a level of tactical sophistication and technical quality that has been decades in the making.

Brazil: Brazil are the most successful nation in World Cup history with five titles: 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002. Japan: Japan's best World Cup result was reaching the round of 16, which they have achieved four times: in 2002 as co-hosts, 2010, 2018, and 2022.

The match is scheduled at Houston Stadium in Houston, United States. Kickoff is scheduled for Monday, June 29, 2026 at 05:00 PM (01:00 PM ET).