Brazil vs Japan: Can Japan Shock the 5-Time Champions?

Predictions

Brazil are the big favorites to win this game.

They have more stars and more quality than almost any team here.

But here is the twist, Japan are the team that loves to shock the giants.

So this is one of those games where the favorite cannot relax for a second.

• Our prediction: Brazil win 2-0.
• DraftKings: Brazil are clear favorites to win and go through.
• BetMGM: a comfortable win for Brazil, with Japan finding it hard to score.
• Squawka: Brazil have too much quality and should win it.

Brazil are the kings of the World Cup

No country has done this better than Brazil.

In fact Brazil have won the World Cup 5 times, more than any other nation.

That is why they are famous all over the world for fast, beautiful, attacking football.

And this team is packed with stars who play for the biggest clubs in Europe.

On top of all that, there is something brand new this time.

Brazil are now coached by the Italian Carlo Ancelotti, and his record is incredible.

He is the only coach to win the Champions League 5 times, the biggest prize in club football.

He has also won a league title in England, Italy, Spain, France and Germany, which no other coach has done.

On top of that, he is the first foreign coach ever to lead Brazil at a World Cup.

So they arrive full of belief, and it helps that they won their group too.

Brazil drew 1-1 with Morocco, then beat Haiti 3-0, then beat Scotland 3-0.

That is a strong start, and it is no surprise they sit 5th in the FIFA rankings.

Japan love to shock the big teams

Here is why this game is not as easy as it looks.

Japan are nicknamed the Samurai Blue, and they are fearless against anyone.

Just look at the 2022 World Cup, where they beat Germany and Spain, two of the best teams on the planet.

So that is the kind of result that makes Brazil sit up and pay attention.

And it is not luck, because Japan are fast, very fit, and incredibly well organized.

They defend as a team, then race forward and attack in a flash.

That is how they reached the knockout round again from a tough group this year.

Japan drew 2-2 with the Netherlands, then beat Tunisia 4-0, then drew 1-1 with Sweden.

So this is a dangerous team that big nations do not enjoy facing.

Why are Brazil the favorites?

Brazil are ahead mostly because of their attack.

Put simply, they have more match-winners up front than Japan can handle.

Their forward Neymar is one of the most dangerous players in the world.

And their winger Raphinha and young striker Endrick add even more speed and goals.

On top of the star power, Brazil are the higher-ranked team, 5th in the FIFA rankings to Japan's 18th.

Put it all together, and you see why Brazil are the favorites.

Our call: 2-0 Brazil

We are not picking a big blowout here, even with all those Brazilian stars.

The reason is simple, Japan are far too disciplined to fall apart and let in lots of goals.

Instead, they will defend deep and make Brazil work hard for every chance.

But over 90 minutes, we think Brazil's quality finds a way through twice.

So we are going with a clean 2-0 win for Brazil, with Japan keeping the score down.

And the winner moves on in the knockout bracket, while the loser goes home.

Where and when is the match?

The game is on Monday June 29 2026 at NRG Stadium, in Houston, Texas.

And kickoff is 12:00 noon local Houston time.

Still need a ticket? Take a look at our World Cup tickets guide.