Brazil 2-1 Japan: Brazil wins

Thanh Vinh•June 29, 2026 21:18

Brazil faced Japan at NRG Stadium with the goal of asserting their dominance as group leaders. With an unbeaten record and a superior head-to-head record, the Selecao were expected to create a dominant performance against the Asian representatives.

Brazil2 - 1JapanEnd
  • 0'The match has started.

    Brazil hosts Japan.

  • 12'Yellow card

    12th minute: K. Sano (Japan) receives a yellow card (Roughing).

  • 14'Yellow card

    14th minute: Casemiro (Brazil) receives a yellow card (Tripping).

  • 29'GOAL! Japan (0-1)

    29th minute:K. Sano(Japan) scored. Score: 0 - 1.

  • 45'Yellow card

    45th minute: D. Kamada (Japan) receives a yellow card (Holding).

  • 45'End of the first half

    At the end of the first half, the score was 0-1.

  • 46'The second half has begun.

    The second half has begun.

  • 46'Substitution

    46th minute (Brazil): Endrick comes on to replace Lucas Paqueta.

  • 48'Yellow card

    48th minute: Danilo (Brazil) receives a yellow card (Elbowing).

  • 56'GOAL! Brazil (1-1)

    56th minute:Casemiro(Brazil) scored (assisted by Gabriel). Score: 1 - 1.

  • 66'Substitution

    66th minute (Brazil): G. Martinelli comes on to replace M. Cunha.

  • 66'Substitution

    66th minute (Japan): Y. Sugawara comes on as a substitute for R. Doan.

  • 66'Substitution

    66th minute (Japan): J. Suzuki comes on as a substitute for K. Nakamura.

  • 78'Substitution

    78th minute (Japan): A. Tanaka comes on to replace D. Kamada.

  • 78'Substitution

    78th minute (Japan): S. Machino comes on to replace J. Ito.

  • 84'Yellow card

    84th minute: J. Suzuki (Japan) receives a yellow card (Tripping).

  • 90+2'Substitution

    90+2nd minute (Brazil): Fabinho comes on to replace Casemiro.

  • 90+5'GOAL! Brazil (2-1)

    90+5th minute:G. Martinelli(Brazil) scored (assist: Bruno Guimaraes). Score: 2 - 1.

  • 90+7'Substitution

    90+7th minute (Japan): K. Ogawa comes on to replace D. Maeda.

  • 90+8'Substitution

    90+8th minute (Brazil): Danilo Santos comes on to replace Bruno Guimaraes.

  • KTFinal score: Brazil 2-1 Japan

    The match ended with a score of 2-1.

Updated at 02:06 on 30/06/2026

The World Cup clash between Brazil and Japan will take place at 00:00 on June 30, 2026, at the NRG Stadium. This is a highly anticipated match between a top contender for the title and a symbol of discipline from Asian football.

Brazil's dominant position

Brazil enters this match as the clear favorites. Currently, the South American representatives are leading the group with 7 points after a series of convincing performances. Their recent form is very stable, maintaining an unbeaten streak with 2 wins and 1 draw in their last 3 matches.

Brazil's strength lies not only in its exceptional individual players but also in its ability to control the tempo of the game. With their current number one position, they have the confidence to impose their style of play from the very first minutes, seeking an early advantage over their opponents.

Japan's stubbornness

On the other side of the battlefield, Japan has shown they are not an easy opponent to bully. The Asian representatives are also in fairly stable form, having not lost in recent matches, specifically securing one win and two draws. Their highly disciplined playing style and tireless movement are the weapons that help the "Blue Samurai" withstand immense pressure.

Despite being considered inferior in terms of individual skill, Japan always knows how to trouble the big teams with their layered defense and sharp counter-attacks. The upcoming match will be a true test of the mettle of the Japanese national team coach and his players.

The history of confrontation favors South America.

In terms of head-to-head record, the balance is heavily tilted in favor of Brazil. In the last four encounters between the two teams, Brazil has won three times, while Japan has only managed one upset. This statistic shows the rivalry and the gap in skill level that the Asian representative needs to work hard to bridge.

Given the importance of a World Cup match, Brazil is likely to continue employing their fiery attacking style. Meanwhile, Japan will have to play with maximum concentration and wait for mistakes from their opponents if they want to improve their head-to-head record against this long-standing rival.

Head-to-head history (last 5 matches)

  • October 14, 2025: Japan 3 - 2 Brazil
  • June 6, 2022: Japan 0 - 1 Brazil
  • November 10, 2017: Japan 1 - 3 Brazil
  • June 16, 2013: Brazil 3 - 0 Japan

Brazil's recent form

  • June 25, 2026: Scotland 0-3 Brazil (Winner)
  • June 20, 2026: Brazil 3-0 Haiti (Winner)
  • June 14, 2026: Brazil 1-1 Morocco (Draw)
  • 07/06/2026: Brazil 2-1 Egypt (Winner)
  • June 1, 2026: Brazil 6-2 Panama (Winner)

Japan's recent form

  • June 26, 2026: Japan 1-1 Sweden (Draw)
  • June 21, 2026: Tunisia 0-4 Japan (Winner)
  • June 15, 2026: Netherlands 2-2 Japan (Draw)
  • May 31, 2026: Japan 1-0 Iceland (Winner)
  • April 1, 2026: England 0-1 Japan (Winner)

Rankings

TeamLocationPointform
Brazil17WWD

Team form and statistics

Brazil (Host)

Form in the last 5 matches:DWV

Statistics for this season:

  • Matches played: 3
  • Wins: 2 (1 at home)
  • Draw: 1 (1 home game)
  • Losses: 0 (0 at home)

Goal:

  • Scored: 7 goals (Average: 2.3 goals/match)
  • Goals conceded: 1 goal (Average: 0.3 goals/match)

Japan (Guest)

Form in the last 5 matches:DWD

Statistics for this season:

  • Matches played: 3
  • Wins: 1 (1 away)
  • Draw: 2 (1 away)
  • Losses: 0 (0 away games)

Goal:

  • Scored: 7 goals (Average: 2.3 goals/match)
  • Goals conceded: 3 (Average: 1.0 goal/match)

Force situation

Brazil

  • Raphinha: Hamstring Muscle Injury (Missing Fixture)

Japan:No injury information available.

Predicted lineup

Predictions and odds

Predicted winner:Brazil

Win or draw

Predicted odds:

  • Home team wins: 45%
  • Draw: 45%
  • Guest wins: 10%

Predicted number of goals:

  • Home team: -2.5 goals
  • Guests: -2.5 tables

Advice:Double chance : Brazil or draw

Team lineup updated at 23:21 on 29/06/2026

Official lineup

Brazil

Diagram: 4-3-3

CoachCarlo Ancelotti

Starting lineup:

  • 1. Alisson (G)
  • 13. Danilo (D)
  • 4. Marquinhos (D)
  • 3. Gabriel Magalhães (D)
  • 16. Douglas Santos (D)
  • 8. Bruno Guimarães (M)
  • 5. Casemiro (M)
  • 20. Lucas Paquetá (M)
  • 26. Rayan (F)
  • 9. Matheus Cunha (F)
  • 7. Vinícius Júnior (F)

Substitutes:

  • 23. Ederson
  • 12. Weverton
  • 6. Alex Sandro
  • 14. Bremer
  • 15. Léo Pereira
  • 24. Roger Ibañez
  • 2. Edison
  • 17. Fabinho
  • 21. Luiz Henrique
  • 18. Danilo Santos
  • 19. Endrick
  • 22. Gabriel Martinelli
  • 25. Igor Thiago
  • 10. Neymar

Japan

Diagram: 3-4-2-1

CoachHajime Moriyasu

Starting lineup:

  • 1. Zion Suzuki (G)
  • 22. Takehiro Tomiyasu (D)
  • 3. Shogo Taniguchi (D)
  • 21. Hiroki Itō (D)
  • 10. Ritsu Doan (M)
  • 24. Kaishu Sano (M)
  • 15. Daichi Kamada (M)
  • 13. Keito Nakamura (M)
  • 14. Junya Ito (F)
  • 11. Daizen Maeda (F)
  • 18. Ayase Ueda (F)

Substitutes:

  • 12. Keisuke Osako
  • 23. Tomoki Hayakawa
  • 2. Yukinari Sugawara
  • 4. Ko Itakura
  • 5. Yuto Nagatomo
  • 16. Tsuyoshi Watanabe
  • 20. Ayumu Seko
  • 25. Junnosuke Suzuki
  • 7. Tanaka Pond
  • 17. Yuito Suzuki
  • 8. Takefusa Kubo
  • 6. Shuto Machino
  • 19. Koki Ogawa
  • 26. Kento Shiogai
  • 9. Keisuke Goto

Thanh Vinh