FIFA World Cup 2026 – Japan looks to break knockout jinx against heavyweight Brazil in round of 32

The World Cup has always belonged to dreamers. Every four years, countries arrive that believe history can be rewritten.

However, in the knockout rounds of the tournament there is little time for romance as these dreams collide with football’s oldest powers.

For Japan, that moment arrives in Houston on Monday. The Samurai Blue have become one of the most consistent overachievers in the world. Since 1998, they have emerged from difficult groups four times, but Japan has yet to win a knockout match at the Men’s World Cup.

This time, standing in the way is a country that has lifted the trophy more than any other country.

For Brazil and Japan, football has long been a conversation on different continents. Brazil is home to the world’s largest Japanese diaspora, while Japanese football owes much of its modern rise to Brazilian influence. From Zico helping shape the fledgling J1 League to generations of Brazilian-born players representing the Samurai Blue, the relationship has been going on for a long time.

But on Monday, sentiment will give way to competition.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side appear to be finding their rhythm since falling behind early on Matchday 1 before drawing against Morocco. Brazil responded with six unanswered goals in wins over Haiti and Scotland to finish top of the group, and Neymar’s return after 981 days in the famous yellow shirt has given the attack a further boost.

However, recent history offers some caution, as Brazil lost 2-3 to Japan in a friendly match in October 2025. Japanese coach Hajime Moriyasu tries to draw inspiration from that result.

“Last time we proved to Brazil that we are not a fraud,” Moriyasu said. «That’s a big progress for us. The Brazilian team is a top team in the world and we have a lot of respect for them. In the match we don’t know what will happen. We will also have a chance to win.»

Japan, meanwhile, is on a ten-match unbeaten run. It reached the round of 16 after a 4-0 defeat to Tunisia and a draw against the Netherlands and Sweden, with Daichi Kamada (3) and Ayase Ueda (2) topping the goalscoring chart.

Brazil, however, has a different level of firepower. Vinicius Junior has four goals, Matheus Cunha has scored three and teenager Rayan has emerged as another exciting option in Ancelotti’s developing attack.

Japan has proven for decades that it belongs to the football elite. On Monday it must prove that it can finally beat one of them when it matters.

Published on June 28, 2026