Brazil and Japan go head to head on Monday evening in a highly anticipated World Cup last-32 battle at the NRG Stadium in Houston. The Group C winners and Group F runners-up both desperately want a spot in the last 16, where the winner will meet either Ivory Coast or Norway.
Brazil started the tournament sluggishly with an underwhelming 1-1 draw against Morocco, but Carlo Ancelotti’s men bounced back in emphatic fashion. Back-to-back 3-0 wins over Haiti and Scotland secured their spot as group winners, edging out Morocco on goal difference.
The Selecao enters the knockout rounds with huge momentum, winning five of their last six matches. Vinicius Junior enters this match in blistering form.
The Real Madrid winger has scored in every single group game, joining legendary company like Jairzinho, Romario, Ronaldo, and Rivaldo. History shows that whenever a Brazilian player achieves this feat, the Seleção wins the World Cup trophy.
? Vini Jr – WC group stage
• 3 matches
• 4 goals
• 1 assist
• 3 MOTM
The best player of the group stage ???? pic.twitter.com/T5We9H0HL5
— O L A T I P S ????? (@OlakTv) June 29, 2026
The Anfield narrative: Alisson starts as Endo steps away
Liverpool fans have plenty of reasons to tune into this fixture, though they will notice a massive void on one side of the pitch.
Reds goalkeeper Alisson Becker anchors a formidable Brazilian back five alongside Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, and Douglas Santos. This defensive unit has functioned like a brick wall, conceding just one goal throughout the entire tournament so far. Alisson will look to completely shut down the Japanese frontline.
In stark contrast, Japan sorely misses it’s own Liverpool icon. Midfield general Wataru Endo is missing the tournament entirely due to a severe injury. This setback unfortunately also marks his official retirement from international football, ending a stellar career with the national team he proudly captained. Without Endo’s leadership and defensive bite in the center of the park, Japan faces a monumental task.
Aside from Endo’s absence, Japan confronts several line-up headaches. Attacker Takefusa Kubo faces an uphill battle to feature in the last 32 after injuring his left knee against the Netherlands, which initially forced him into a wheelchair. While Kubo recently returned to training, he will likely start on the bench.
An injury also forced captain Ko Itakura off the pitch early against Sweden, though the medical staff expects him to recover in time. If he fails a late fitness test, former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu will step into Japan’s back three. On a brighter note, Celtic’s Daizen Maeda should retain his starting spot upfront after scoring the opening goal in their last match.
With Alisson Becker, Danilo, Marquinhos and Douglas Santos completing the backline, Brazil will have an entirely different defence to the one that started October’s 3-2 loss to Japan.
Kick-off time:
Brazil v Japan kicks off at 6pm BST (midday local) on Monday, June 29 at the Houston Stadium.
How to watch:
The match will be available on ITV1 in the UK, Fox Sports in the U.S., Zee5 in India and SBS in Australia.
Brazil possible starting lineup:
Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Santos; Guimaraes, Casemiro; Rayan, Paqueta, Vinicius Jr; Cunha
Japan possible starting lineup:
Suzuki; Ito, Tomiyasu, Itakura; Doan, Sano, Tanaka, Nakamura; Kamada, Maeda; Ueda