Brazil vs. Japan projected lineups, starting 11 for World Cup Round of 32 game in Houston

Brazil faces Japan in Houston on Monday in one of the more intriguing Round of 32 matchups at the 2026 World Cup.

Carlo Ancelotti's Selecao finished top of Group C thanks to wins over Haiti and Scotland after their opening draw with Morocco. They will now face Japan, runners-up in a competitive Group F, where an emphatic 4-0 win over Tunisia was sandwiched by draws with the Netherlands and Sweden.

These teams met in a friendly in October 2025 in which Brazil saw a 2-0 first-half lead evaporate, their dreadful defensive performance eventually leading to a 3-2 defeat. Ancelotti's side has looked much more effective at the back in the months since, though, so this has the makings of a competitive and potentially low-scoring affair.

Here is how we expect the teams to line up.

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Brazil projected starting 11

(4-3-3, right to left): 1. Alisson — 13. Danilo, 4. Marquinhos, 3. G. Magalhaes, 16. D. Santos — 8. B. Guimaraes, 5. Casemiro, 20. L. Paqueta — 26. Rayan, 9. M. Cunha, 7. Vinicius Jr.

• Injured: Raphinha (hamstring)
• Suspended: None

The speculation in Brazil is that Ancelotti will stick with the lineup from the Scotland game. That means Neymar will have to settle for a bench role once more.

Douglas Santos appears likely to keep his place at left-back ahead of Alex Sandro, but the rest of the back line — and the midfield trio in front of it — more or less picks itself at this stage.

Rayan deputised well for the injured Raphinha against Steve Clarke's men, and the Bournemouth winger may well keep his place, with the Barcelona star not likely to return until the Round of 16 should Brazil progress. Matheus Cunha offers a more dynamic option as the No. 9 and is expected to start there again, with the proliferation of those brilliantly creative memes apparently not enough to persuade Ancelotti to start Endrick.

MORE: Why Endrick isn't starting World Cup games

Japan projected starting 11

(3-4-3, right to left): 1. Z. Suzuki (GK) — 20. A. Seko, 4. K. Itakura, 21. H. Ito — 2. Y. Sugawara, 15. D. Kamada, 7. A. Tanaka, 13. K. Nakamura — 10. R. Doan, 18. A. Ueda, 11. D. Maeda

• Injured: T. Kubo (knee, doubt)
• Suspended: None

There seems to be some pessimism over whether Takefusa Kubo will have recovered from a knee injury in time for this game. The winger was hurt in the opening 2-2 draw with the Netherlands and has been unable to play since, with his training limited to lighter exercises.

Hajime Moriyasu may well stick with the team from the 1-1 draw with Sweden, although Junya Ito, who scored against Tunisia, could come back into the lineup. Takehiro Tomiyasu is also an option to start on the right of the back three, given his experience.

Brazil vs. Japan predictions, betting odds

It's difficult to imagine Brazil throwing away the game in the manner they did last October, particularly as they looked strong defensively during the group stage. If the Selecao can get an early lead this time, you would back them to hold onto it.

But this is a Japan team determined to prove it belongs in the biggest of World Cup matches. They are an obstinate side defensively and not to be underestimated in attack, especially with Ayase Ueda in the form of his career. Brazil are not likely to run up an early score this time.

Ancelotti has greater depth at his disposal, though, and Brazil will likely have enough to come through, even if it's another close game.

• Score prediction: Brazil 2-0 Japan

Brazil vs. Japan World Cup rosters

Here are the names on Brazil and Japan's World Cup rosters. All caps and stats are correct as of the date of their announcement in May 2026.

Head coach: Carlo Ancelotti

Head coach: Hajime Moriyasu

Where to watch Brazil vs. Japan

In USA:

• TV channel: Fox
• Live stream: fubo, Fox One, Fox Sports app/website

This match will be broadcast nationally on Fox in the United States with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.

The best place to catch the match is on streaming service fubo, with new customers able to sign up for a FREE trial.

Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

Here is how to watch the match in some of the other major territories: