Brazil face Japan in World Cup 2026 round of 32 clash

Brazil and Japan meet in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup, with kick-off set for 12pm local time (1pm EST/6pm BST/3am AET). The match is the 74th game of the tournament, which has already seen several surprises.

The fixture pits two sides with contrasting World Cup histories: Brazil, five-time champions and perennial favourites, against Japan, who have never advanced beyond the round of 16. Japan reached this stage after a spirited group-stage campaign.

Rodrygo on Ancelotti

Real Madrid and Brazil forward Rodrygo praised his club manager Carlo Ancelotti ahead of the match, describing the Italian as “driven by a phenomenal coherence” — a quality he believes not all managers possess. Rodrygo has worked under Ancelotti at Madrid and now faces the task of leading Brazil past Japan.

• Brazil have won all their group games so far.
• Japan advanced as runners-up in their group.
• Ancelotti is not coaching Brazil but his influence on Brazilian players like Rodrygo is evident.
• This is the second meeting between the teams in World Cup history; Brazil won the first in 2006.

What's at stake

The winner will progress to the last 16, inching closer to the quarter-finals. Brazil are heavy favourites, but Japan have shown resilience and tactical discipline under manager Hajime Moriyasu. The match promises to be a test of Brazil's attacking flair against Japan's organised defence.