Brazil and Japan meet in the last 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Houston's NRG Stadium, in what promises to be one of the most compelling ties of the knockout rounds. Kick-off is at 6:00pm BST / 1:00pm ET, with free streams available on ITV in the UK, SBS On Demand in Australia, and CazéTV on YouTube in Brazil, among other regions.

Brazil's form: swagger restored, questions remain

Carlo Ancelotti's side enter the tie on the back of consecutive 3-0 wins over Haiti and Scotland, having laboured to a 1-1 draw with Morocco in their opening group game. That Morocco encounter exposed real vulnerability — the Atlas Lions registered 12 shots in the first half alone, and only a moment of individual magic from Vinicius Jr kept Brazil level.

The Real Madrid forward has been Brazil's standout performer throughout the group stage, contributing four goals and one assist. Yet against a Japan side that seldom hands opponents easy chances, Brazil cannot afford to rely solely on the 25-year-old. Matheus Cunha, who has netted the other three of Brazil's tournament goals, will need to be at his best, and Casemiro faces a searching examination in midfield. Raphinha remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, with Bournemouth's Rayan expected to deputise again.

Japan's collective strength

Japan arrived at the knockout stage unbeaten, having earned a deserved draw against the Netherlands, thrashed Tunisia, and held Sweden to a 1-1 result that secured second place in their group. Their strength lies not in individual brilliance but in collective discipline — a high-pressing system, comfort in and out of possession, and an almost impenetrable defensive shape.

Manager Hajime Moriyasu's approach was proven effective last October, when Japan beat Brazil 3-2 in Tokyo — the first time they had ever defeated the five-time champions. Feyenoord striker Ayase Ueda was the match-winner that day and arrives here with two goals already in this tournament.

However, Japan's knockout-stage record has historically fallen short of their group-stage excellence. They were edged out 3-2 by Belgium in 2018 and eliminated on penalties by Croatia in 2022.

Prediction

FourFourTwo predicts a Brazil victory by 3-2, with the Selecao claiming revenge for last year's defeat — but only after being pushed hard by a tenacious Samurai Blue.