Brazil vs Japan Lineups, Prediction, Betting Tips & Odds

Brazil vs Japan Match Summary

Competition	FIFA World Cup 2026
Match Date	Monday 29 June 2026
Match Time	18:00 UK time
Venue (City, Stadium)	Houston Stadium
Broadcast (TV / Streaming / Radio / Bookmaker Streaming)	RTE 2, ITV 1

Brazil meet Japan in the World Cup 2026 last-32, a knockout tie at Houston Stadium where the five-time winners aim to brush aside a side that humbled them only eight months ago.

Brazil cruised through Group C as winners on seven points, drawing 1-1 with Morocco before routine 3-0 wins over Haiti and Scotland got the job done in style.

Japan came through Group F as runners-up on five points, drawing 2-2 with the Netherlands, hammering Tunisia 4-0 and sharing a 1-1 draw with Sweden to set up this clash.

Brazil hold a commanding 5-1 edge across their last six meetings, but Japan landed a 3-2 friendly win in October, so the Samurai Blue arrive with belief rather than fear.

Brazil vs Japan Form

Brazil look in ominous shape, easing to the top of Group C with that pair of 3-0 wins over Haiti and Scotland. Vinicius Junior has found the net in all three of his World Cup appearances so far, while Matheus Cunha has chipped in with goals too. Brazil have managed 5+ shots on target in three straight World Cup outings, underlining their attacking threat.

Japan remain unbeaten in this tournament, fronted by a 4-0 demolition of Tunisia in which Ayase Ueda struck twice. Daichi Kamada is a man for the big moment, netting twice across the group stage including a late equaliser to deny the Netherlands. The Samurai Blue have kept a settled side throughout.

Brazil vs Japan Lineups & Team News

Injuries & Suspensions

Brazil: Raphinha (Injured/doubtful)

Japan: W. Endo (Injured/doubtful), T. Kubo (Injured/doubtful), K. Itakura (Injured/doubtful)

Brazil

Raphinha is in a race against time to be fit, with the Barcelona man still nursing the hamstring injury he picked up against Haiti. Bournemouth forward Rayan is likely to start in his place alongside Vinicius Junior and Matheus Cunha in an electric front three. Neymar could get minutes off the bench after his first appearance for Brazil since 2023 against Scotland.

Japan

Ko Itakura is doubtful after being withdrawn against Sweden with discomfort, while Takefusa Kubo is still struggling with a knee injury picked up earlier in the tournament. Daizen Maeda could keep his place in attack after scoring against Sweden. Japan have named a similar team throughout the group stage and are likely to do the same here.

Brazil vs Japan Predicted Lineup

Brazil

Formation: 4-3-3

Predicted Starting Lineup: A. Becker; Danilo, Marquinhos, G. Magalhães, D. Santos; Casemiro, B. Guimarães, L. Paquetá; V. Júnior, M. Cunha, Rayan

Japan

Formation: 3-4-3

Predicted Starting Lineup: Z. Suzuki; H. Ito, K. Itakura, A. Seko; Y. Sugawara, D. Kamada, A. Tanaka, K. Nakamura; R. Doan, A. Ueda, D. Maeda

Brazil vs Japan Key Stats & Match Facts

• Brazil have seen over 2.5 goals in 7 of their last 8 matches against Japan in all competitions.

• Brazil have scored at least 2 goals in 7 of their last 8 matches against Japan in all competitions.

• Japan claimed their first-ever senior win over Brazil with a 3-2 friendly success on 14 October 2025.

• Brazil registered 21 total shots, 9 on target and 54% possession in their 3-0 win over Scotland on 24 June 2026.

• Japan's 4-0 win over Tunisia on 20 June 2026 was the 1,000th official match in World Cup history.

Brazil vs Japan Prediction & Best Bets

Our prediction: Brazil are the clear favourites here and we fancy them to get the job done, with the engine room of Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes giving the front three a platform. Our prediction is a 3-0 Brazil win.

Best Bets

Brazil to win looks the standout call given their attacking firepower, and they are priced at 8/11 with AK Bets.

For a touch more value, Vinicius Junior to score anytime fits the picture nicely. The Brazil talisman has netted in every one of his World Cup appearances this tournament and looks every inch the most dangerous player on the pitch.

Brazil vs Japan Bet Builder

Our three-leg bet builder backs Matheus Cunha to score anytime, Brazil to Win and Both Teams to Score.

Although Vinicius Junior is the obvious choice for goals, we have picked Matheus Cunha to score instead. The Manchester United forward has netted in both of his World Cup starts and is set to start in Brazil's front three with Raphinha doubtful.

Our second leg backs Brazil to win in 90 minutes. The Seleção have been one of the standout teams at this World Cup, combining defensive solidity with creativity in midfield and a clinical attack, all anchored by a world-class goalkeeper. Japan are an organised and dangerous side capable of causing problems, but Brazil's superior quality, attacking firepower and impressive momentum make them strong favourites to book their place in the next round.  

The third leg is Both Teams to Score, with the Samurai Blue carrying genuine threat going forward and unbeaten so far in this tournament having scored 7 goals in the World Cup and at least one goal in their last 10 matches.

At the time of writing, this bet builder pays a best price of 15/2 and is as short as 6/1 elsewhere. That's a difference in potential winnings of £15 from best to worst price.

Make sure to get the best odds on your Bet Builder with Oddschecker's Exclusive Bet Builder Comparison Tool.

Bet builder odds correct at time of publishing.

Brazil vs Japan Talking Points

History sits firmly with Brazil, who have won 11 of the 14 meetings between these sides, but Japan finally got over the line with that 3-2 friendly win in October. The Samurai Blue have shown real resilience under Hajime Moriyasu, none more so than Daichi Kamada's 89th-minute leveller to grab a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands. Brazil have the firepower and the favourites tag, yet Japan's recent record against them means this is no foregone conclusion.

Brazil vs Japan Predictions FAQs

When is the Brazil vs Japan World Cup 2026 game?

The World Cup 2026 match between Brazil and Japan is scheduled to kick off on Monday 29 June 2026 at 18:00 UK time.

What is the prediction for Brazil vs Japan?

Our prediction for this World Cup 2026 fixture highlights a closely contested match, with both teams looking to secure a crucial result.

What are the latest betting odds for Brazil vs Japan?

The latest betting odds for Brazil vs Japan can be found on our dedicated tips page, featuring updated markets for match winner, goals, and bet builders.

Where can I find Brazil vs Japan lineups?

Confirmed lineups for Brazil vs Japan will be announced shortly before kick-off, while predicted starting elevens are available in our match preview.

Disclaimer

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