Live Blog! Brazil vs Japan in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026

  • Brazil and Japan meet in one of the most exciting Round of 32 matchups of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Here's everything you need to know about this battle for a place in the Round of 16.


95' GOOOOOOOOAAAAALL for Brazil

After several attempts to break through the Japanese defense, Gabriel Martinelli manages to break the deadlock and give the victory to Ancelotti's team.


91' Changes in Brazil

Casemiro comes off after an apparent injury, and Fabinho comes on to replace him.


88' Brazil tries

Headers and shots outside the area have tried to break the deadlock, but they haven't succeeded.


83' Yellow card Japan

After a foul that grants a dangerous free kick, Suzuki receives a warning.


77' Changes in Japan

Kamada goes out with Ito, for Machino and Tanaka


73' Attempts by Brazil

Some attempts to replicate the equalizing goal without success


68' Rehydration Pause


65' Substitutions for both teams

Cunha comes off for Martinelli, and on the Japanese side, Doan and Nakamura come off, Sugawara and Suzuki come on.


61' Counterattack by Japan

Japan gets behind Brazil and tries down the wings, but he can't impose himself.


55' GOOOOOOOOOAAAAL by Brazil

Score 1-1

Casemiro's header ends in a goal after surpassing the Japanese defense


51' Suzuki's Save

Cross from Danilo and a stunning header from Bruno, but the Japanese goalkeeper makes a spectacular save.


48' Yellow card Brazil

Danilo recibe una tarjeta amarilla tras cortar un contrataque


45' ST starts the second half

Substitution, Endrick comes on for Paquetá who seems to be injured.


49' End of the first half

Despite repeated attempts by the Brazilian team, they have not been able to break thru the Japanese defense.


44' Yellow card in Japan

Foul to stop a counterattack and the yellow card goes to Kamada.


43' Japan tries

The Japanese team doesn't back down and tries to seek a wider advantage with crosses and possession.


36' Brazil tries

After Japan's unexpected goal, Ancelotti's team tries to equalize the situation but struggles against the Japanese order.


29' GOOOOOOOOOOOAAAL by Japan

Score 0-1

After a great counterattack, the Japanese team manages to score precisely.

28' More recoveries from Japan

The Japanese team shows more finesse in the cuts.


23' Rehydration break


20' Attempts by Brazil

Good attempt by Vinicius on the wing, but the Japanese defense was able to clear it without major issues.


16' Corner kick

Brazil manages to repel the corner and counterattack.


14' Free kick for Japan and a yellow card for Casemiro

After a harsh foul by Casemiro, he awards a dangerous free kick near the area.


12' Yellow card

Sano receives a yellow card after a hard foul.


11' Aerial attempt by Japan

The Asian team tries thru the center and headers but fails to break thru the Brazilian defense.


8' Possessive ball control

The Canarinha still maintains control of the ball and tries to generate some attack in the Japanese area.


4' Suzuki Save

The Japanese goalkeeper overcame the offensive generated for Vinicius and managed to punch it out to the side.


2' Brazil attempts and corner

After a poor pass from the Japanese defense, the forwards take advantage but fail to convert.


1' Start of the first half

Score 0-0

The Brazilian team kicks the first ball of the match, thus starting the second day of the round of 32 in the FIFA World Cup 2026.


One of the most powerful clashes is being prepared.

Both teams come at a good moment in their World Cup careers, having finished relatively comfortably in their groups, which allowed them to reach this stage, and today they look forward to facing each other to see who continues in this competition.



Japan's lineup



Brazil's lineup



🏟️ When and Where

Brazil and Japan will face off on Monday, June 29, in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match will be played at Houston Stadium in Houston, United States.

Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT, with Italian referee Maurizio Mariani assigned to officiate the match.

📺 How and Where to Watch Brazil vs Japan

beIN SPORTS will once again serve as an official broadcaster of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing the excitement of the tournament to audiences across France and the MENA region with full coverage, analysis, news, and the biggest matches from the world’s most important football event.


If you are outside these regions, here is the complete list of official broadcasters for the 2026 FIFA World Cup around the world.

🇧🇷 Brazil's Preview

Brazil enters the knockout stage as the winner of Group C after collecting seven points during the group stage. Carlo Ancelotti's side opened the tournament with a draw against Morocco before recording back-to-back 3-0 victories over Haiti and Scotland to comfortably finish atop the group.

The Seleção has grown stronger with every match, combining defensive solidity with an attack that appears to be finding its rhythm at exactly the right time. That balance makes Brazil one of the leading contenders to lift the World Cup trophy.

Now, however, the margin for error disappears. Every match is win or go home, and Brazil knows its quest for a sixth World Cup title truly begins here.


🇯🇵 Japan's Preview

Japan advanced to the Round of 32 after finishing second in Group F with five points. Hajime Moriyasu's squad opened its campaign with a thrilling 2-2 draw against the Netherlands before cruising to a 4-0 victory over Tunisia and closing the group stage with a 1-1 draw against Sweden.

The Samurai Blue impressed throughout the first round with an aggressive, attack-minded approach, consistently looking to dictate play regardless of the opponent.

That confidence and proactive style have turned Japan into one of the most dangerous dark horses entering the knockout rounds.


⭐ Players to Watch


🇧🇷 Vinícius Júnior

Vinícius Júnior enters this match in outstanding form after scoring in three consecutive World Cup matches. The Real Madrid winger has been Brazil's most dangerous attacking player throughout the tournament, constantly creating problems with his pace and dribbling ability.

With Raphinha unavailable, even more attacking responsibility falls on Vinícius' shoulders. This is another opportunity for him to remind the football world why he was once considered among the leading candidates for the Ballon d'Or.


🇯🇵 Takefusa Kubo

Takefusa Kubo has been the driving force behind Japan's attack during the group stage. His creativity, technical ability, and willingness to take on defenders have made him one of the tournament's standout performers.

The Real Sociedad star has played a major role in shaping Japan into a team that attacks without fear and refuses to sit back against stronger opponents. That fearless mentality could once again create problems for one of the favorites to win the tournament.

🎯 Final Analysis

Brazil's history, talent, and championship pedigree make the five-time world champions the clear favorites heading into this Round of 32 matchup. Carlo Ancelotti's squad appears to be improving with every game and remains firmly focused on capturing a record-extending sixth World Cup title.

However, everything Japan showed during the group stage suggests the Samurai Blue will not be intimidated. Hajime Moriyasu's team has proven it can compete toe-to-toe with top opposition, and its attacking mentality makes Japan a dangerous opponent capable of pulling off one of the biggest upsets of the knockout stage.


Follow all the action from the 2026 FIFA World Cup on beIN SPORTS.


Watch beIN SPORTS Xtra live for free on YouTube

Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira Júnior
Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira Júnior
Brazil
Takefusa Kubo
Takefusa Kubo
Japan
Hajime Moriyasu
Hajime Moriyasu
Japan
Carlo Ancelotti
Carlo Ancelotti
Brazil