Brazil, Japan Renew Rivalry in World Cup Knockout Clash

Brazil will take on Japan in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 on Monday, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side eager to avenge a painful defeat suffered less than a year ago.

The five-time world champions were stunned 3-2 by Japan in a friendly in Tokyo in October 2025, despite holding a two-goal advantage. Japan scored three times in the space of 20 minutes to claim their first-ever victory over Brazil after 14 previous meetings.

That defeat exposed the challenges facing Ancelotti after taking charge following his departure from Real Madrid. With limited time to reshape the squad, the Italian has worked to transform Brazil into genuine World Cup contenders, and the knockout clash offers an opportunity to show how far the team has progressed since that disappointing result.