Brazil v Japan World Cup 2026 line-ups, stats and preview, TV channel, live online stream and prediction

Five-time champions Brazil have a tricky test on their hands as the World Cup knockouts continue in Houston. Japan were impressive in finishing second in Group F behind the Netherlands, while Brazil roll into the knockout rounds having topped Group C.Carlo Ancelottis side has looked fluid in attack, heavily relying on the explosive form of Vinicius Junior. The Real Madrid superstar has already notched four goals in the tournament, making him the definitive spearhead of a front line that also features the dangerous Raphinha and Matheus Cunha.I had no doubts about how he would be coming into this World Cup, said Ancelotti of the 25-year-old.For him it is an honour to play for the national team. He is playing well and he even scored a header against Scotland, which is very rare for him.I knew all about what Vini could do. He is one of the best players in the world.Japans path to the Round of 32 has been equally impressive.In a dramatic international friendly late last year, Japan shocked the South American giants with a 3-2 comeback victory, turning around a 2-0 half-time deficit thanks to second-half strikes from Takumi Minamino, Keito Nakamura, and Ayase Ueda.History favours Brazil but dont count out Japan for this one even though they are yet to win a knockout match at the World Cup.Table of ContentsTeam news for Brazil v JapanPredicted line-ups for Brazil v JapanWhere to watch Brazil v Japan: TV and online streamsStats for Brazil v JapanPrediction for Brazil v JapanWhat To Do If You Have A Gambling ProblemTeam news for Brazil v JapanAs ever, all eyes will be on Neymar. The veteran came on against Scotland after recovering from injury for his first Brazil appearance in nearly 1000 days.He will be on the bench again, we expect, despite Barcelonas Raphinha being a doubt with a hamstring injury.Japan have doubts over defender Ko Itakura and Takefusa Kubo.Predicted line-ups for Brazil v JapanBrazil: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Santos; Guimaraes, Casemiro; Rayan, Paqueta, Vinicius Jr; CunhaJapan: Suzuki; Ito, Tomiyasu, Itakura; Doan, Sano, Tanaka, Nakamura; Kamada, Maeda; UedaWhere to watch Brazil v Japan: TV and online streamsThe match kicks off on Monday 29 June at 6pm UK time. It is broadcast on ITV and STV and can be streamed on ITVX.Stats for Brazil v JapanJapan have won only once in their fourteen games against Brazil in all competitions (D2 L11). However, this victory came in their most recent clash last October, a friendly at Tokyo Stadium (3-2).Brazil have been eliminated in four of their last six World Cup knockout stage matches, more than in their previous 17 combined (three). They havent been knocked out in the first knockout stage at a World Cup tournament since 1990, when they lost 1-0 to Argentina in the last 16.This will be Japans fifth knockout stage match at the FIFA World Cup; they were eliminated from each of their first four. Three of their four knockout opponents ended as 3rd place in that tournament (Trkiye in 2002, Belgium in 2018, Croatia in 2022).Prediction for Brazil v JapanBrazil 2-1 JapanJapan have impressed with their patient and precise football but the weight of history on Brazils shoulders will push them over the line.What To Do If You Have A Gambling ProblemWe understand that gambling can be fun, but it is always important to gamble responsibly. If you are struggling with a gambling problem, please do not hesitate to ask for help. There are people who can help you get on the road to recovery. Below, we have listed some helpful resources to help aid you on the road to recovery.National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133GamCare: https://www.gamcare.org.ukGambleAware: www.gambleaware.com Topics Brazil National Football Team Japan Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read World Cup 2026: Last 32 ties confirmed as group stage ends Tom Rostance 28th June, 2026 Neymar: World Cup 2026 playing schedule, fixtures, results, kick off times, confirmed injury news updates, full Brazil squad Ben Miller 27th June, 2026 He has the passion of a boy Ancelotti hails returning Neymar after Brazil stroll into last 32 of the World Cup Jon Fisher 25th June, 2026 Scotland 0-3 Brazil: Tartan Army left facing nervous wait after Vinicius double Nicholas McGee 25th June, 2026 WATCH: McKenna presents Vinicius with a gift as Brazil take lead against Scotland before VAR escape Nicholas McGee 24th June, 2026 LIVE Scotland v Brazil: Commentary, updates, goals and stats as Tartan Army face five-time winners Jon Fisher 24th June, 2026