2026 World Cup: Brazil vs Japan official line-ups, Ancelotti takes on Suzuki
Quick summary
Official line-ups have been announced for the 2026 World Cup match between Brazil and Japan, with Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil facing a Japan side featuring goalkeeper Suzuki.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceCarlo Ancelotti chooses Vinicius Jr plus several former Serie A players including Alisson, Danilo, Marquinhos and Lucas Paqueta as Brazil face Zion Suzuki’s Japan in the World Cup Round of 32.
It kicks off in Houston at 18.00 UK time (19.00 CEST).
The winners of this fixture will go on to face either Norway or the Ivory Coast in the Round of 16 on July 5.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JUNE 24: Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Brazil, speaks with Neymar Jr #10 as he prepares to be substituted in during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Scotland and Brazil at Miami Stadium on June 24, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) Italian coach Ancelotti is shouldering a lot of expectation going into his first major tournament as an international boss , at the helm of the nation that has won the World Cup more than any other.
So far, they have largely coasted , following the 1-1 draw against Morocco with 3-0 victories over Haiti and Scotland.
Raphinha has been ruled out by injury, but Brazil stick with Vinicius and Rayan supporting striker Cunha.
There are numerous former Serie A players involved, including ex-Juventus defender Danilo, former Roma men Alisson Becker and Marquinhos, plus one-time Milan midfielder Lucas Paqueta.
Current Atalanta midfielder Ederson is on the bench, but Roma winger Wesley Franca was forced to withdraw due to injury.
TOKYO, JAPAN – MAY 31: Zion Suzuki of Japan applauds fans after the international friendly match between Japan and Iceland at MUFG Stadium on May 31, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Kenta Harada/Getty Images) Japan got through their group unbeaten after crushing Tunisia 4-0, around a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands and 1-1 against Sweden.
Ko Itakura sustained an injury in the last match.
Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki is impressing in the World Cup so far and earned some strong transfer interest as a result.
Ex-Lazio midfielder Daichi Kamada and former Bologna man Takehiro Tomiyasu are also in the squad, with veteran Inter left-back Yuto Nagatomo.
The referee today is Italian Maurizio Mariani, with his assistant referees also representing Calcio.
Brazil vs. Japan line-ups Brazil: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhanes, Douglas Santos; Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro; Rayan, Paqueta, Vinicius Jr; Cunha
Japan: Suzuki; H Ito, Tomiyasu, Taniguchi; Doan, Sano, J Ito, Nakamura; Kamada, Maeda; Ueda
29-06-2026 18:00
Round of 32
NRG Stadium
Brazil
Japan
vs
Season Analytics
Brazil
Positions
Japan
SEASON TOTAL BRA HOME 1 1 0 2 1 0 Last matches 24-06-2026
Scotland
W
0 - 3
20-06-2026
Haiti
W
3 - 0
13-06-2026
Morocco
D
1 - 1
20-06-2026
Haiti
W
3 - 0
13-06-2026
Morocco
D
1 - 1
SEASON TOTAL JPN AWAY 1 1 0 1 2 0 Last matches
1 - 1
D
Sweden
26-06-2026
0 - 4
W
Tunisia
21-06-2026
2 - 2
D
Netherlands
14-06-2026
0 - 4
W
Tunisia
21-06-2026
2 - 2
D
Netherlands
14-06-2026
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What happened
The official starting line-ups for the 2026 World Cup encounter between Brazil and Japan have been confirmed. Brazil, managed by Carlo Ancelotti, will look to assert their tournament credentials against a Japan side anchored by goalkeeper Suzuki. The line-up announcements provide clarity on tactical setups and player availability ahead of kickoff, allowing analysts and prediction systems to assess the likely shape of both teams. Ancelotti's selection choices will be closely watched as Brazil aim to dominate Group/Japan face one of the tournament favorites.
Chance analysis
Official line-up announcements are critical pre-match intelligence as they confirm player availability, formation choices, and tactical intent. With Ancelotti at the helm for Brazil, a traditional strong XI is expected. Japan's reliance on Suzuki in goal highlights their defensive structure. For prediction systems, confirmed line-ups remove uncertainty around key players' participation and allow for more accurate probability modeling based on expected tactical matchups.
Confirmed line-ups provide definitive information on team selection, formation, and key player participation for Brazil vs Japan, directly informing match prediction models.
Use confirmed line-ups to update expected goals and tactical shape projections for Brazil vs Japan in the 2026 World Cup.