The Brazilian national team returns to the field this Tuesday to face Japan in Tokyo, in another test as part of its preparation for the 2026 World Cup. After thrashing South Korea 5–0, Carlo Ancelotti’s team wants to keep the momentum and continue observing players before the final list for the tournament, which will be held in Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
The history between the teams clearly favors Brazil. In 13 matches played, the Seleção has won 11 and drawn 2, never losing to Japan. The last meeting between the two was in 2022, with Brazil winning 1–0 thanks to a goal from Neymar. This time, the scenario is different: Japan arrives already qualified for the World Cup, while Brazil uses the friendly to adjust details and give minutes to different players.
Brazil in testing mode
Carlo Ancelotti made it clear that the observation phase continues and kept only three starters from the win over South Korea: Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, and Vini Jr. The idea is to test new options and give minutes to players fighting for a place in the final call-up. The coach once again worked with the 4-3-3 formation, with Bruno Guimarães playing higher up the field alongside Lucas Paquetá, almost as a midfielder.
Brazil’s probable lineup for the friendly in Tokyo: Hugo Souza; Paulo Henrique, Fabrício Bruno, Lucas Beraldo, Carlos Augusto; Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, Lucas Paquetá; Luiz Henrique, Vini Jr., Gabriel Martinelli.
Bolivia v Brazil – FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier | Sports Press Photo/GettyImages
Japan looking for consistency before the World Cup
On the other side, Japan is trying to find good performances again after an inconsistent run. The team coached by Hajime Moriyasu drew with Paraguay and Mexico and lost to the United States 2–0. Despite the results, the Samurai Blue have already secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup and see the match against Brazil as an important technical test.
In 13 games against the Brazilians, Japan has never won, scoring only five goals and conceding 35. Still, the Asian team has become more competitive and disciplined, betting on renewal and intensity. Last Friday, they drew 2–2 with Paraguay, with a goal from Ayase Ueda in stoppage time.
Japan’s probable lineup to face Brazil: Zion Suzuki; Seko, Watanabe, Junnosuke Suzuki; Ito, Sano, Tanaka, Nakamura; Minamino, Doan, Ogawa.
Where to watch Japan vs Brazil and international kickoff times
The friendly between Japan and Brazil will be played at Tokyo Stadium, kicking off at 3:30 a.m. Eastern Time in the United States and Canada (ET), 12:30 a.m. Pacific Time (PT), and 8:30 a.m. in the United Kingdom (BST).
The match will not be broadcast in the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom, being available only to audiences in Brazil and Japan. The lack of international coverage frustrates fans who follow the Seleção in key markets, especially after the growing interest in the team under Carlo Ancelotti. Even without live coverage, the friendly is expected to draw global attention for bringing together two national teams in different phases but with equally high ambitions. Brazil wants to reaffirm its strength and solidify its new project toward the World Cup, while Japan seeks to prove it can compete on equal terms with the world’s biggest soccer powers.
AloJapan.com