Brazil seek last-16 place against dangerous Japan
TDT | Manama
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Brazil and Japan will battle for a place in the FIFA World Cup last 16 when they meet at Houston’s NRG Stadium tonight, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm Bahrain time.
The encounter pits together two of the tournament’s most in-form sides, with five-time world champions Brazil topping Group C and Japan advancing as runners-up from Group F.
Brazil recovered from an opening 1-1 draw against Morocco by recording successive 3-0 victories over Haiti and Scotland to finish top of their group on goal difference. Carlo Ancelotti’s side have gathered momentum at the right time, winning five of their last six matches while keeping consecutive clean sheets.
Vinicius Junior has been Brazil’s standout performer, scoring in all three group-stage matches, while Matheus Cunha has also played a key role in attack. However, the Selecao are expected to remain without winger Raphinha, who is recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during the win over Haiti.
Japan, meanwhile, arrive full of confidence despite finishing second in Group F following a 1-1 draw with Sweden. Hajime Moriyasu’s side have impressed defensively throughout 2026, conceding just three goals in their last six matches, while earning notable results against several of world football’s top nations.
The Samurai Blue will hope to build on a memorable 3-2 victory over Brazil in an international friendly last October, the first win over the South Americans in their history.
However, they face injury concerns, with Takefusa Kubo unlikely to feature because of a knee problem, while defender Ko Itakura is expected to be available after recovering from a minor injury.
Victory would see either side advance to the last 16, where Ivory Coast or Norway await.
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