SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) faced Brazil on 29 June (local time) in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ at Houston Stadium in the United States.

In this knockout-stage clash against the five-time world champions, head coach MORIYASU Hajime named the following starting XI. SUZUKI Zion (Parma Calcio 1913) started in goal behind a back three of TOMIYASU Takehiro (AFC Ajax), TANIGUCHI Shogo (Sint-Truidense VV) and ITO Hiroki (Bayern Munich). SANO Kaishu (Mainz 05) partnered KAMADA Daichi (Crystal Palace) in central midfield, while DOAN Ritsu (Eintracht Frankfurt) operated on the right and NAKAMURA Keito (Stade de Reims) on the left as wing-backs. ITO Junya (KRC Genk) and MAEDA Daizen (Celtic FC) played in advanced roles behind lone striker UEDA Ayase (Feyenoord).

Japan defended with discipline in the opening half, limiting Brazil's intricate passing combinations while looking to break quickly on the counter whenever possession was regained. Their approach was rewarded in the 29th minute, when Sano intercepted a square pass in midfield before driving forward through the centre and, from just outside the penalty area, guided a low, precise shot into the bottom corner to put Japan ahead.

Japan continued to defend compactly in a mid-block and took their one-goal advantage into half-time, but the momentum shifted after the restart as Brazil adjusted their approach. Brazil’s holding midfielders began finding space between the lines more frequently, and the wide players stretched the pitch, delivering a steady stream of crosses into the penalty area. As a result, Japan were pushed deeper into their own half, struggled to win second balls, and were forced into a prolonged spell of defending.

After withstanding sustained pressure, Japan eventually conceded in the 56th minute from the very situation they had been trying to guard against. Brazil's centre-backs had begun stepping into advanced positions in front of Japan's defensive block, and one of them delivered a cross from the right for CASEMIRO to power a header into the net at the far post.

Seeking to regain the initiative, Moriyasu introduced SUGAWARA Yukinari (Werder Bremen) and SUZUKI Junnosuke (FC Copenhagen) in the 66th minute in place of Doan and Nakamura. TANAKA Ao (Leeds United) and MACHINO Shuto (Borussia Monchengladbach) followed in the 78th minute. Japan continued to defend resolutely, with the substitutes also putting their bodies on the line, but they no longer had the energy to launch sustained attacks or relieve the relentless Brazilian pressure.

With extra time beginning to look increasingly likely, Brazil struck the decisive blow in stoppage time. After losing possession following a fierce challenge around Japan's penalty area, the ball fell to Gabriel MARTINELLI, who fired home the winner. Japan responded by introducing OGAWA Koki (NEC Nijmegen) immediately after the goal in a final attempt to force extra time, but the score remained 2-1 until the final whistle.

"People have heard us speak many times about our ambition to become world champions. We know we are not the favourites, but we believe we have a chance as dark horses. Today's match showed that, had a few moments gone our way, we could have brought our ambition of becoming world champions a little closer to reality. By publicly declaring our ambition, I believe everyone involved has thought more deeply about what is needed to become the best in the world. We fell short this time, but I also believe our journey has inspired not only the football family but people across Japan who may not normally follow football closely to join us in pursuing that dream."

Japan were therefore eliminated in the Round of 32, having once again fallen short of progressing beyond the first round at what was their fifth appearance in the knockout stage. As Moriyasu stressed after the match, the experience gained at this tournament will serve as another important step in Japan's pursuit of becoming world champions, and SAMURAI BLUE's journey towards that ultimate destination will continue.

Coach and Players' Comments

MORIYASU Hajime, Head Coach of SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team)
I do feel that Japan have moved much closer to the standards set by the world’s leading teams. At the same time, today’s match underlined that there are still moments when we are overpowered by top-level teams, and that there remains a gap we must continue to work to close. The outcome was the same as in Qatar, with us being eliminated in the first knockout round. However, I felt that we were able to control the game for longer periods this time, and defensively we were able to cope better against a team of Brazil’s quality. In that respect, I believe we have made progress. The final message I gave the players in our huddle was to never forget this disappointment and to use it as motivation for the next stage of their development. Very few of these players are at the end of their international careers, and the same applies to our staff. Success is, of course, the ideal teacher, but disappointment can also make you stronger. I told them to keep improving and continue fighting for Japan.

GK #1 SUZUKI Zion (Parma Calcio 1913/Italy)
We expected that once we took the lead, we would have to spend long periods defending. We managed to cope in the first half, but when Brazil raised the intensity after the break, we could not hold out. That is the most frustrating part for me. Looking back at the goals we conceded, I feel there were things I could have done better. I believe I could have prevented them, so I know I still have plenty to improve. One thing that really stood out to me was our bench. The unity within this squad is second to none. I genuinely believe no team is more united than we are. That is one of Japan’s greatest strengths, and it is something we must preserve. As one of the players in this group, I want to help carry that culture forward.

DF #22 TOMIYASU Takehiro (AFC Ajax/Netherlands)
It is difficult to put into words. It all ended so suddenly... Personally, after struggling with injuries and going two years without being called up, I was grateful just to be selected for this World Cup and trusted to start such an important Round of 32 match. The fact that I could not repay that faith on the pitch is incredibly disappointing, and it reminds me that I still have a long way to go. Looking back at the second half in particular, I felt that we are not yet at the level where we can compete with the world’s strongest teams on equal terms. Whether in possession or without it, we need to be more proactive in every phase of the game. Unless we can do that, it will be difficult to match teams like Brazil. That is the biggest lesson I take away personally.

MF/FW #24 SANO Kaishu (Mainz 05/Germany)
I am devastated. There is nothing else I can say. Until the first hydration break, I thought we controlled the game well and executed our game plan. But after half-time, Brazil changed their approach and we struggled to adjust. The goals we conceded came down to small details. For the first goal, I felt I could have been more aggressive in closing down the ball. For the second, I was marking the player involved in the build-up before the shot, and I should have been tighter and stronger. Not dealing with those situations properly led to the goals. As for my own goal, it was a perfect scenario for me. I intercepted the ball, drove forward and finished it myself, but because it did not help the team win, all I feel now is disappointment.

FIFA World Cup 2026™

Tournament duration: Thu. 11 June - Sun. 19 July 2026
Group Stage
1st match: Mon. 15 June 5:00 [JST] vs Netherlands
2nd match: Sun. 21 June 13:00 [JST] vs Tunisia
3rd match: Fri. 26 June 8:00 [JST] vs Sweden
Knockout Stage
Round of 32: Tue. 30 June 2:00 [JST] vs Brazil
Tournament information