Brazil vs Japan prediction, betting tips & preview – World Cup 2026

World Cup – 2026 World Cup

Brazil

29/06/2026 20:00

Not Started Houston Stadium – Houston

Japan

Vinicius Junior will be looking to score in a fourth consecutive match when Brazil face Japan in the Round of 32 at NRG Stadium in Houston on Monday.

Brazil recovered from an opening draw against Morocco by winning their final two group matches to finish top of Group C with seven points.

Japan also progressed unbeaten, finishing second in Group F behind the Netherlands after drawing 1-1 with Sweden in their final group game.

Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions. Additionally, take a look at our best World Cup betting offers to give yourself the best chance of making some profit.

Brazil vs Japan key stats

• Brazil are undefeated in their last six matches.
• Six of last seven matches between the two sides have produced Over 2.5 goals.
• Vinicius Junior has scored four goals in his last three matches.

Brazil vs Japan preview: Can Vinicius Junior inspire crucial Selecao win?

Brazil head into the knockout rounds on the back of consecutive victories over Haiti and Scotland, with Carlo Ancelotti's side beginning to build momentum at the right time.

Vinicius Junior and Matheus Cunha have been Brazil's standout performers so far, helping the Selecao finish top of Group C despite not producing their best football.

The five-time world champions are unbeaten in their last six matches and have dominated recent meetings with Japan, who have failed to keep a clean sheet against them in their previous seven encounters.

Barcelona winger Raphinha remains sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained against Haiti, meaning Bournemouth youngster Rayan is expected to continue alongside Vinicius in attack.

Japan have reached the World Cup knockout rounds once again, but the Samurai Blue are still searching for their first victory at this stage of the competition.

The Samurai Blue scored a late equaliser to earn a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their opening game, which gave them the confidence to thrash Tunisia 4-0 before securing a draw against Sweden to progress to the knockout stages.

Japan defeated Brazil 3-2 in a friendly last October, and the stage is set for them to show how far Asian teams have progressed in recent years.

Ko Itakura was forced off early against Sweden after an injury scare, but the issue is not believed to be serious, while Takefusa Kubo remains unlikely to feature due to a knee problem.

Brazil vs Japan form guide & betting tips

Whispers predicts: Brazil 2-1 Japan

Brazil have won sox of their last seven matches against Japan and are overwhelming favourites at 4/6 (1.67) to win against Japan.

With Neymar still not fully fit yet, Vinicus Junior has taken the burden of scoring on his shoulders. The Real Madrid superstar has scored four goals in his last three matches and is priced at 31/20 (2.55) to score anytime.

Ancelotti's side have kept only two clean sheets in their last eight matches, and therefore Brazil win and BTTS – Yes at 3/1 (4.0) looks a tempting offer.