Preview for Japan v Brazil
Five months ago, Brazil broke Japanese hearts in Houston. On Saturday, the two sides meet again at the Singapore National Stadium, and Hajime Moriyasu’s Japan will be looking for revenge.
Their last-32 meeting at the 2026 World Cup was a dramatic one. Japan led, but Brazil came from behind to win 2-1 with Gabriel Martinelli scoring a 95th-minute winner. After the tournament, Moriyasu told his players to use the disappointment as motivation for the future.
Japan have done exactly that. They are unbeaten in four games since the World Cup, winning three and beating Ecuador on penalties after a draw. They have also scored in 14 of their last 15 matches.
They know they can beat Brazil, too. Japan won 3-2 in Tokyo in October 2025, their first-ever victory over the Seleção at the 15th attempt.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil are also in good form. They have won their last two games, scoring eight goals in the process. Ancelotti is using these friendlies to start building a new generation of talent, with the 2028 Copa América and qualifying for the 2030 World Cup ahead.
Arsenal defender Gabriel explained what he hoped to get from these two games. He said: “It’s to receive the new boys in the best possible way and to pass on our experience to them. The most important thing is how you are wearing the national team shirt. We know it’s the heaviest shirt in the world. So we try to pass tranquility to them too.”
Both sides have another game in Singapore next week. Brazil face the hosts on Tuesday, while Japan take on Paraguay.
Goals look likely. Ten of Brazil’s last 12 matches have featured more than 2.5 goals, and five of Japan’s last six games have seen both teams score.
Team News for Japan v Brazil
Japan are without injured defender Takehiro Tomiyasu. Takefusa Kubo and Ritsu Doan are expected to be Japan’s main attacking threats. Kubo has a remarkable record for his country: Japan have won all seven games in which he has scored.
Brazil have left out several big names, including goalkeeper Alisson, Gabriel Martinelli and Matheus Cunha, while Lucas Paquetá and Joao Pedro are injured.
Raphinha is likely to start in attack.
Expected Line-ups for Japan v Brazil
Japan: Suzuki; Seko, Itakura, Ito; Sugawara, Kamada, Tanaka, Nakamura; Kubo, Maeda; Ogawa
Brazil: Bento; Wesley, Jair Cunha, Gabriel, Santos; Bontempo, Gomes, Guimaraes; Estevao, Vinicius Jr, Raphinha
Recent Form & Stats for Japan v Brazil
- Japan beat Brazil 3-2 in Tokyo in October 2025, their first win over Brazil.
- Vinícius Júnior has scored five of his last six goals for his country before half-time.
- Japan have scored in 14 of their last 15 matches.
- Brazil have won their last two games, scoring eight goals.
- Ten of Brazil’s last 12 matches have featured more than 2.5 goals.
- Japan have won all seven games in which Takefusa Kubo has scored.
Where to Watch Japan v Brazil
Japan versus Brazil kicks off at 10:15am GMT (6:15pm local time) on Saturday, November 14 at the Singapore National Stadium.
The match is not being shown live on TV in the UK or the US. In Japan, it’s on TV Asahi and U-NEXT, and in Brazil on SporTV, Globo and Globoplay.
Prediction for Japan v Brazil
This ought to be fairly close. Japan went into the World Cup as one of the dark horses and, although they failed to shine, they have a good team that have been together for some time.
Brazil have several big names missing so we wouldn’t be surprised if Japan got at least a draw.
Prediction: Japan 1-1 Brazil
