Before Japan-Brazil
five months ago brazil broke Japanese hearts in Houston. The two sides meet again at the National Stadium in Singapore on Saturday, with Hajime Moriyasu’s Japan looking for revenge.
Their last meeting of 32 at the 2026 World Cup was dramatic. Japan driven, however 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 has done just 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 games.
They know they can beat Brazil too. Japan won 3-2 in Tokyo in October 2025, their first win 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 America and qualification for the 2030 World Cup ahead.
Arsenal defender Gabriel explained what he hoped to get from these two games. He said: “It’s to welcome the new boys in the best possible way and convey our experience to them. The most important thing is how you wear the national team shirt. We know it’s the heaviest shirt in the world. So we try to convey peace of mind to them as well.”
The two sides have another game in Singapore next week. Brazil will face the hosts on Tuesday, while Japan will face Paraguay.
Goals seem likely. Ten of Brazil’s last 12 games have featured over 2.5 goals, and five of Japan’s last six games have seen both teams score.
Japan vs Brazil team news
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 matches in which he has scored.
Brazil are without 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.
Planned lineups for Japan-Brazil
Japan: Suzuki; Seko, Itakura, Ito; Sugawara, Kamada, Tanaka, Nakamura; Kubo, Maeda; Ogawa
Brazil: Benedict; Wesley, Jair Cunha, Gabriel, Santos; Bontempo, Gomes, Guimaraes; Estevao, Vinicius Jr, Raphinha
Japan vs Brazil recent form and statistics
- Japan beat Brazil 3-2 in Tokyo in October 2025, their first win against Brazil.
- Vinícius Júnior has scored five of his last six goals for his country before the break.
- Japan have scored in 14 of their last 15 games.
- Brazil have won their last two matches, scoring eight goals.
- Ten of Brazil’s last 12 games have seen more than 2.5 goals scored.
- Japan have won all seven games in which Takefusa Kubo has scored.
Where to watch Japan vs Brazil
Japan v Brazil kicks off at 10:15 GMT (18:15 local time) on Saturday 14 November at the Singapore National Stadium.
The match is not shown live on TV in the UK or the US. In Japan, it is on TV Asahi and U-NEXT, and in Brazil on SporTV, Globo and Globoplay.
Prediction of Japan – Brazil
That should be pretty close. Japan entered the World Cup as one of the dark horses, and while they have failed to shine, they have a good team that has been together for a while.
Brazil are missing several big names, so we wouldn’t be surprised if Japan got at least a draw.
Prediction: Japan 1-1 Brazil
