Brazil face an in-form Japan in one of the standout Round of 32 ties at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Carlo Ancelotti's resurgent side meet a disciplined Samurai Blue team capable of causing another major upset.

After an underwhelming 1-1 draw with Morocco in their tournament opener, Carlo Ancelotti's side have steadily rediscovered their rhythm. Comfortable 3-0 victories over Haiti and Scotland secured top spot in Group C, with Vinicius Junior and Matheus Cunha leading a vastly improved attacking display.

The Selecao now enter the knockout stages with confidence restored. They have won five of their last six matches in all competitions and, after struggling defensively earlier this year, arrive having recorded consecutive clean sheets for the first time in months.

Japan, however, represent an entirely different challenge.

Hajime Moriyasu's side have quietly strengthened their reputation as one of international football's emerging forces. Victories over elite opposition in recent years, including Brazil themselves in a thrilling 3-2 friendly last October, have underlined their ability to compete with the world's biggest nations.

The Samurai Blue progressed as runners-up in Group F after defeating Tunisia and drawing with both the Netherlands and Sweden. More importantly, they have conceded just three goals in their last six internationals, highlighting the defensive organisation that has become the foundation of Moriyasu's team.

Their greatest challenge now is psychological. Japan have never progressed beyond the Round of 16 at a men's World Cup despite reaching this stage on four previous occasions. Breaking that barrier against five-time champions Brazil would mark another historic milestone.

Brazil remain without Barcelona winger Raphinha, who continues his recovery from the hamstring injury sustained against Haiti. His absence should allow Bournemouth youngster Rayan to retain his place after another encouraging display against Scotland.

Vinicius Junior is the headline act. The Real Madrid forward has scored in all three of Brazil's group-stage matches, joining an exclusive list of Brazilian greats, including Jairzinho, Romário, Ronaldo and Rivaldo. History is certainly on his side, with Brazil lifting the trophy on each previous occasion a player achieved that feat.

Matheus Cunha's introduction as the central striker has also transformed Brazil's attack. Three goals in two starts have given the Selecao greater movement through the middle while allowing Vinicius greater freedom to attack from wide areas.

Brazil appear to have settled into a far more balanced system following Ancelotti's tweaks after the Morocco draw. Cunha's movement has stretched opposition backlines, while Bruno Guimaraes and Casemiro have offered improved control through midfield, allowing Lucas Paqueta greater creative freedom between the lines.

The biggest improvement, however, has been Brazil's defensive structure. Their full-backs have become more selective in their forward runs, reducing the transitional vulnerabilities that Morocco exposed earlier in the tournament.

Japan may be without two influential figures. Takefusa Kubo remains unlikely to feature due to a knee injury, while defender Ko Itakura is racing to recover after being forced off against Sweden. Kaishu Sano is expected to return to midfield, with Daizen Maeda keeping his place after scoring in the final group game.

Japan are unlikely to abandon the compact shape that has served them so well. Moriyasu's side defend with remarkable discipline before springing forward through quick combinations and intelligent movement. Their technical quality allows them to retain possession under pressure, while rapid transitions remain their greatest attacking weapon.

Much attention will focus on Vinicius Junior against Japan's right side, where his pace and direct running could prove decisive. If Japan cannot isolate him early, the Real Madrid winger has the quality to dictate the contest.

Equally significant will be the midfield duel between Casemiro and Kaishu Sano. Japan thrive when they recover possession quickly, while Brazil's experienced holding midfielder will be tasked with disrupting those transitions before they gather momentum.

Matheus Cunha's movement against Japan's back three also promises to be influential. His willingness to drift into wider channels could create the spaces Vinicius and Paqueta need to exploit.

Japan have earned widespread respect for their consistency, tactical organisation and ability to frustrate elite opponents. Their victory over Brazil in last year's friendly ensures there will be no complacency within the Selecao camp.

However, tournament football often rewards experience, and Brazil appear to be peaking at exactly the right moment. Ancelotti has found a settled balance, Vinicius is playing with supreme confidence, and Cunha's emergence has added another dimension to the attack.

Japan should remain competitive throughout and possess enough quality to trouble Brazil's defence, but over 90 minutes the South Americans' greater attacking depth is expected to prove decisive.

Brazil's recent improvement at both ends of the pitch, combined with their superior individual quality and growing cohesion under Ancelotti, should be enough to overcome an organised Japan side and secure a place in the Round of 16, where either Ivory Coast or Norway await.