Brazil will face Japan at Houston Stadium on Monday evening in the World Cup last 32, a fixture that carries more than just a place in the round of 16. A victory would likely set up a tantalising clash with either the Netherlands or Morocco, teams that have also impressed in the group stage.
The Brazilian side arrives in Texas riding a wave of offensive momentum, having netted three goals in each of their last two matches. Coach Carlo Ancelotti is expected to stick with the system that has served him well, but the lineup will be missing several key figures.
Brazil's Predicted Lineup
Goalkeeper Alisson is set to start behind a back four of Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães and Douglas Santos. In midfield, the experienced pairing of Casemiro and Paquetá will sit alongside the dynamic Guimarães, while the attacking trio will feature Rayan on the left, Matheus Cunha through the centre and Vinicius Junior on the right.
Neymar, fully recovered from his recent knock, is expected to add a spark after the interval, offering a different dimension to Brazil's attack. The absence of Raphinha, sidelined by a hamstring injury sustained against Haiti, leaves a void in creativity and set‑piece expertise, but Rayan's pace and willingness to take on defenders have earned him a starting spot.
Brazil will also be without the defensive options of Eder Militão and Rodrygo, both ruled out for the tournament, while Casemiro and Danilo each carry a yellow card that could rule them out of the next round if they receive another booking. The match therefore carries an extra layer of tension, as the Seleção looks to navigate both tactical and disciplinary challenges.
Japan, who previously handed Brazil a rare defeat, present a different style of play that will test the Brazilian system. With the stakes high and the roster reshaped, the encounter promises a compelling blend of skill, strategy and suspense.