Brazil vs Japan Live Score: H2H, Lineups & Player Stats

Follow the Brazil vs Japan live score here, with goals, cards, and substitutions updating in real time. This Round of 32 tie is played at Houston Stadium on Monday, June 29, with a place in the last 16 on the line.

Five-time champions Brazil begin their knockout campaign as favorites, with Vinicius Junior in red-hot form. But Japan are a dangerous, in-form side who have already beaten Brazil once this season and are chasing a first-ever World Cup knockout win.

Brazil bring individual brilliance and attacking width, while Japan counter with discipline, pace, and quick vertical breaks. Use the sections below to compare both squads.

Brazil vs Japan Head to Head

Brazil and Japan have met around ten times, and Brazil have won the large majority, including their only World Cup meeting in 2006, a 4-1 win. The picture shifted last October, when Japan beat the Selecao 3-2 for a famous first-ever victory.

That result is part of a nine-game unbeaten run that also includes a win over England, showing the Samurai Blue can trouble the world's elite. Brazil still carry the greater pedigree, but Japan arrive with belief.

How Brazil and Japan Reached the Round of 32

Brazil: Brazil won Group C with seven points, drawing 1-1 with Morocco before beating Haiti and Scotland 3-0 apiece. Vinicius Junior scored in every group game, including a brace against Scotland, while Matheus Cunha added three goals.

Japan: Japan, at their eighth straight World Cup, finished second in Group F unbeaten, holding the Netherlands to a 2-2 draw, thrashing Tunisia 4-0, and drawing 1-1 with Sweden. They did it without the injured Kaoru Mitoma, Takumi Minamino, and Wataru Endo, leaning on the goals of Ayase Ueda and Daichi Kamada.

Brazil vs Japan Expected Lineups

Both managers will field their strongest available sides. Confirmed lineups appear in the live lineup card above about an hour before kickoff.

Brazil: Alisson starts in goal behind captain Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhaes, with Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes in midfield. Vinicius Junior and Matheus Cunha lead the attack, with teenager Rayan stepping in for the injured Raphinha. Neymar is among the substitutes.

Japan: Japan set up with a back three in front of goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, with Takehiro Tomiyasu and Hiroki Ito alongside captain Ko Itakura, who is a doubt after limping off against Sweden. Daichi Kamada and Ao Tanaka run midfield, supplying lone striker Ayase Ueda, while Takefusa Kubo remains sidelined with a knee injury.

Brazil vs Japan Key Players and Player Stats

The live player stats above update during the match. Here is the squad context to watch for.

Brazil:

• Vinicius Junior: the tournament's in-form forward, with four goals already and the pace to punish any defense.
• Matheus Cunha: a reliable central finisher who scored three times in the group stage.
• Casemiro: the midfield shield who breaks up play and protects Brazil's back line.
• Marquinhos: the captain and defensive leader who organizes the Brazilian defense.

Japan:

• Ayase Ueda: the Feyenoord striker leading the line, with two goals and an assist so far.
• Daichi Kamada: the in-form midfielder with three goals, including Japan's earliest-ever World Cup goal.
• Keito Nakamura: Japan's creative spark and one of their most dangerous wide attackers.
• Zion Suzuki: the goalkeeper whose form underpins Japan's resilient, well-drilled defense.

Brazil vs Japan: Everything You Need to Know

What time does Brazil vs Japan kick off?

Brazil vs Japan kicks off at 1 p.m. ET on Monday, June 29, 2026. That is 12 p.m. in Houston, 6 p.m. BST in the UK, and 2 a.m. on Tuesday in Japan.

How can I watch Brazil vs Japan?

In the United States, the match airs on FOX and Telemundo, with streaming on Fubo. UK viewers can watch on BBC or ITV.

Is Neymar playing for Brazil against Japan?

Neymar, Brazil's all-time top scorer, is fit and back in the squad after a long injury layoff, but he is expected to feature off the bench rather than start, with younger forwards ahead of him. Brazil are also without the injured Raphinha.

What happens if Brazil vs Japan ends in a draw?

If Brazil vs Japan is level after 90 minutes, the match goes to 30 minutes of extra time, then a penalty shootout if still tied. Knockout games cannot end in a draw.

Who does the winner play in the Round of 16?

The winner advances to the Round of 16, where they will face the winner of Germany versus a best third-placed team. It would be a major step toward the quarterfinals.

How many times have Brazil won the World Cup?

Brazil have won the World Cup five times, in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002, more than any other nation. In 2026 they are chasing a record sixth title and a first since 2002.

Brazil vs Japan: What to Expect

The Brazil vs Japan tie pits Brazilian star power against Japanese discipline and belief. Expect Brazil to dominate possession and look for Vinicius Junior in space, while Japan stay compact, defend the counter, and back their pace on the break.

With a Round of 16 place at stake, follow the live score, lineups, and any extra time or penalties above.