Brazil’s coach Carlo Ancelotti has named an unchanged XI for the round‑of‑32 clash with Japan, the same eleven that routed Scotland 3‑0 in the group stage.
Among the starters, 19‑year‑old forward Rayan will earn his second consecutive start, while veteran Neymar remains on the bench as he continues recovery from a calf strain.
Japan, seeking their first ever victory over Brazil at the World Cup, have made four alterations of their own, opting for a five‑man defensive line and leaving out Takefusa Kubo, who is sidelined by an ankle injury.
A historic test for the Samurai Blue
The Japanese side has never defeated the five‑time champions in nine World Cup meetings, a statistic that adds extra pressure to a tournament where both nations hope to progress deep into the knockout rounds.
With Brazil looking to maintain momentum and Japan aiming to rewrite a long‑standing narrative, the match promises a tactical battle between Ancelotti’s fluid attack and Moriyasu’s reshaped backline.