The Japanese team arrives undefeated after passing the group stage, while Brazil will face the duel as one of the favorites for the title. The winner will advance to the round of 16.
Japan secured second place in Group F after drawing 1-1 with Sweden on the final day. The team led by Hajime Moriyasu closed the group stage without defeat, with one victory and two draws.
The match against the Swedes was marked by equality. Daizen Maeda put the Japanese ahead in the 56th minute, but Anthony Elanga equalized the score six minutes later. In the final stretch, goalkeeper Zion Suzuki was decisive with several interventions that allowed the Blue Samurai to preserve the tie and secure classification.
With that result, Japan finished second in Group F, behind the Netherlands, and was tied with Brazil, which advanced as the leader of its group and is considered one of the main candidates for the title.
When do Brazil and Japan play?
The match will be played on Monday June 29 in it Houston Stadiumlocated in the city of Houston and with capacity for more than 72 thousand spectators.
The meeting will begin at 11 hours from Guatemala.
A duel with an encouraging precedent
Although Brazil is the favorite, Japan faces the match with confidence. The Asian team already defeated Canarinha 3-2 in a friendly match played in October, a precedent that fuels expectations ahead of the clash for a place in the round of 16.
The winner will advance to the round of 16 and keep alive the dream of winning the 2026 World Cup.