World Cup 2026: Brazil vs Japan Tips, Odds & Prediction

* Odds from Betway, correct at time of writing.

Brazil meet Japan at NRG Stadium in Houston in the Round of 32, with kickoff at 19:00 CAT on 29 June. Carlo Ancelotti's five-time world champions topped their group with seven points and arrive as strong favourites, while Japan booked their place as runners up in Group F after a free scoring group campaign. The winner moves into the Round of 16 and stays on course for a deep run at this World Cup. For all our World Cup betting tips, head to our dedicated section.

Brazil

Brazil look a serious force again under Ancelotti, and in my opinion their attacking depth is simply on another level in this tie. Vinicius Junior provides the threat from wide areas, Neymar is back and influential after his long injury layoff, and the midfield of Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes gives them control. They did lose Rodrygo and Estevao to injury before the tournament, but the squad is deep enough to absorb those absences. After back-to-back 3-nil wins over Haiti and Scotland, I expect Brazil to carry that momentum into the knockout stage.

Predicted Lineup: Alisson; Santos, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Danilo; Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes, Paqueta; Rayan, Cunha, Vinicius Junior.

Japan

Japan are a well-organised and quick side under Hajime Moriyasu, and from my point of view they will not simply sit back against Brazil. They were excellent in attack during the group stage, thrashing Tunisia 4-nil and twice coming from behind to draw with the Netherlands. They have been without Kaoru Mitoma, Wataru Endo and Takumi Minamino throughout the tournament, all ruled out injured prior to its start, but so far they’ve looked capable of covering those absences. Daichi Kamada still leads a capable midfield, and I expect Japan to test this Brazil defence at least once.

Predicted Lineup: Suzuki; Seko, Itakura, Ito; Sugawara, Tanaka, Kamada, Nakamura; Doan, Ueda, Maeda.

Brazil have the firepower to win this comfortably, but Japan are brave on the ball and have shown they will create chances of their own. I expect Brazil to take control and edge a game that has goals in it, with Japan grabbing a consolation. My forecast: Brazil 2 Japan 1.

BTTS: Yes (1.93)

I am backing BTTS: Yes and my read on this is that Japan have been one of the most potent attacks at this tournament, scoring in every group game including a four-goal haul against Tunisia. Brazil are not the meanest defensively and have already conceded to Morocco, so Japan should find at least one opening here. At 1.93 the price on both teams scoring offers real value.