Why Japan believes it can beat Brazil in World Cup round of 32

ARLINGTON, TX – A tough match awaits Japan after its 1-1 draw against Sweden to close the group stage matches at the World Cup on Thursday, June 25.Samurai Blue, runners-up to the Netherlands in Group F, will face Brazil in one of the most-anticipated matches of the round of 32. While Brazil is certainly more talented on paper, Japan has looked much more cohesive than Carlo Ancelotti’s side through three matches.

Japan wasn’t one of the lucky eight sides to land a round of 32 matchup against a fellow group stage runner-up, instead facing the most successful national team in the history of the tournament, with five World Cup victories.

Japan is looking to prove it’ll be a tough draw for the Canarinho, too.

"For the good of football in Japan, I think it would be a very good experience," coach Hajime Moriyasu said through a translator. "We do believe there's a chance for us to win. And then we hope that we will be able to move one step further and move on to the next stage."

Japan’s attack will need to improve for a chance against Brazil. Sweden limited Moriyasu’s side to three shots on goal, and if it weren’t for a 56th-minute strike from Celtic attacker Daizen Maeda on a brilliant cross from Ritsu Doan, it could’ve found itself in a precarious position − like Sweden, which is on to the round of 32 as a third-place finisher but is unsure of its placement yet.

The momentum shifted in Sweden’s favor late in the second half, but Japan was able to hold strong despite a header from Sweden forward Alexander Isak hitting the crossbar in the 94th minute. Newcastle United winger Anthony Elanga scored the equalizer in the 62nd minute on a screamer from outside the box.

Ultimately the draw worked out for both sides, though, as Japan wasn’t quite in jeopardy of missing the round of 32, but it resulted in Sweden locking up a top-eight finish among third-place group stage teams.

"I think we achieved what was important – conceding the minimum, not losing, and securing at least a point," said Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. "Being able to carry this unbeaten momentum into ​the Brazil match next is definitely positive."

Japan and Brazil faced off recently in a friendly, with Samurai Blue earning their first win over Brazil in 14 matchups on Oct. 14, 2025, in Tokyo. Japan fell down 2-0 but scored three unanswered goals in the second half to earn the result.

While friendlies are hardly comparable to the World Cup, Brazil played multiple starters in the match, including star forward Vinicius Junior.

Japan wasn’t at its best against Sweden, but it has a few days off before making the short trip to Houston for the match on June 29.

Samurai Blue will be looking to channel their effort from their 3-2 friendly win last year, although they expect a tough fight from FIFA’s No. 6-ranked side, which won Group F with seven points over Morocco due to goal differential.

“Perhaps because of that (win) they’ll be motivated,” Moriyasu said. “We would be able to play against a Brazil that’s really intent of playing their game.”

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