The most exciting phase of the 2026 World Cup continues this Monday with one of the most anticipated matches of the Round of 16: Brazil vs. Japan. The team led by Carlo Ancelotti will look to maintain its strong run in the tournament, while the Asian side will try to repeat the upset it pulled off last year by defeating the Canarinha in a friendly match.
Brazil enters the tournament as the favorite after finishing at the top of its group and not conceding a single goal in its two most recent matches against Haiti and Scotland. However, no one in the Brazilian camp is taking anything for granted.
The group stage is now behind us
Marquinhos on comments made by Japanese forward Kento Shiogai, who said that Brazil is no longer what it used to be: “A bit of arrogance”
“It’s good that they keep talking to motivate our team. We’ve been here in the U.S. for a month now, and, with great humility, we are… pic.twitter.com/yTOmxMrev5
— LIBERTA DEPRE (@liberta___depre) June 28, 2026
Defender and captain Marquinhos made it clear that the group stage is behind them and that a completely different tournament is now beginning.
“A new competition begins tomorrow. The group stage is over, and now the knockout rounds are kicking off. The little things are going to be important,” said the Paris Saint-Germain defender at a press conference at NRG Stadium in Houston.
The veteran defender recalled that the 3-2 loss to Japan in a friendly match last year served as a turning point in the Brazilian team’s development.
“We learned a lot from that game. Everything we’ve been through in recent years has helped us grow as a team,” he said.
Marquinhos also highlighted the work Carlo Ancelotti has done since taking over as coach of the Brazilian team, especially on the defensive end.
“The coach’s adjustments have allowed us to play more compactly. We’ve defended very solidly, and that has made us a stronger team,” he explained.
Despite being the favorites, the Brazilian captain insisted that Japan deserves the utmost respect and pointed out that in recent World Cups, several powerhouses have been eliminated by teams considered inferior.
“Soccer is very competitive these days. Any team can pull off an upset if you let up,” he warned.
When is the Brazil vs. Japan game?
Date: Monday, June 29, 2026.
What time is the Brazil vs. Japan game? The game is scheduled to start at 12:00 p.m. ET.
Where is the Brazil vs. Japan game being played? The game will be played at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
Where to watch in the U.S.: FOX (English), Telemundo (Spanish), the FOX Sports App, FOX One, and Peacock.
Brazil will look to solidify its title bid, while Japan will try to pull off one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and advance to the round of 16.
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