June 26, Kathmandu – Five-time World Cup champions Brazil are set to compete against Japan in the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 2026. In the final Group F match, Japan drew 1–1 with Sweden, securing second place in the group and advancing to the knockout stage. The Netherlands finished as group winners in Group F. Brazil topped Group C with two wins and one draw, advancing to the Round of 32. Morocco, the runner-up of Group C, will now face the Netherlands.
The Round of 32 match between Brazil and Japan is scheduled for June 29 at Houston Stadium in the United States. In a historic international friendly held in October 2025, Japan defeated Brazil 3–2, marking their first-ever victory over Brazil in 14 meetings. However, the two teams have faced each other only once in a World Cup before, when Brazil defeated Japan 4–1 in the group stage of the 2006 tournament. In recent years, Japan has delivered impressive performances against strong European and South American teams, while Brazil enters the tournament as a leading contender for the title. Consequently, the Round of 32 clash between Brazil and Japan is expected to be one of the most exciting encounters of the tournament.
