The knockout stage is where the real World Cup begins.
Japan deserve enormous respect after coming through a really difficult group and, as Brazil fans, we haven’t forgotten what happened when they beat us 3-2 in Tokyo last year. They’re organised, fearless and won’t make life easy.
I’m still confident Brazil get the job done, but I actually think this could be one of the closest Round of 32 ties. I wouldn’t be shocked if it went to extra time, which is why I’ve deliberately left a Brazil win out of my Bet Builder.
Here’s my 67.00 Bet Builder.
My Brazil vs Japan Bet Builder (67.00)
- Over 5.5 Brazil corners
- Both teams to score
- Vinicius Junior anytime goalscorer
- Matheus Cunha to score or assist
- Hiroki Ito 3+ fouls
Vinicius Junior Anytime Goalscorer
Vinicius is looking every bit like Brazil’s main man.
He’s scored in all three group games, including a brace against Scotland, and only Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi have managed more shots on target than his eight so far.
He’s playing with huge confidence and I fancy him to continue his brilliant tournament.
Matheus Cunha To Score Or Assist
Ancelotti’s decision to start Cunha has completely transformed Brazil’s attack.
After replacing Igor Thiago up front, Cunha has repaid that faith with three goals across his last two starts, scoring twice against Haiti before adding another against Scotland.
All four of his international goals have come in 2026, and with Japan conceding against both the Netherlands and Sweden, I can see Cunha making another decisive contribution.
Over 5.5 Brazil Corners
Brazil’s wide players create constant pressure.
Across the group stage we won 17 corners against Morocco, Haiti and Scotland, stretching teams with Vinicius, Rayan and our attacking full-backs.
Japan defend well, but I still expect Brazil to spend long spells camped in their half, which should generate plenty of corners.
Hiroki Ito 2+ Fouls
Ito has one of the toughest jobs on the pitch.
The Japanese defender is joint-third for the most fouls committed at this World Cup with seven, averaging more than two per game, and he’ll spend much of the evening trying to stop Rayan and Brazil’s pace down the right.
That battle alone makes this one of my favourite selections.
Both Teams To Score
I don’t think this will be another comfortable Brazil clean sheet.
Japan scored seven goals during the group stage and already showed what they’re capable of against Brazil by coming from 2-0 down to win 3-2 in last year’s friendly.
Brazil have improved defensively as the tournament has gone on, but Japan have enough quality to find the net before the Seleção eventually progress.
Rafael’s Prediction
I expect a proper knockout game.
Japan will push us all the way, but Brazil have more match-winners across the pitch and I think our quality eventually shines through.
Predicted score: Brazil 2-2 Japan (Brazil win after extra time)
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