Brazil Takes on Japan in Friendly Match Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Tóquio, Japão — The Brazilian national soccer team will face Japan in a friendly match on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. The game is set to kick off at 7:30 AM Brasília time at Ajinomoto Stadium in Tokyo. This match serves as preparation for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

The Brazilian coaching staff, led by Carlo Ancelotti, will use this opportunity to test new players and adjust their game strategies, with the team looking to build on a recent 5-0 victory over South Korea. Meanwhile, Japan, currently ranked 19th in FIFA, aims to end a winless streak and improve their performance before the World Cup.

According to reports, Brazil is expected to make eight changes to its starting lineup from the previous match. Key players like Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, and Vinícius Jr. will remain in the squad. The probable formation for Brazil is: Hugo Souza; Paulo Henrique, Fabrício Bruno, Lucas Beraldo, and Carlos Augusto; Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, and Lucas Paquetá; Luiz Henrique, Vinícius Jr., and Gabriel Martinelli.

Confirmed absences for Brazil include Ederson, Vanderson, and Wesley due to injuries. Ancelotti is likely to implement a 4-3-3 formation, allowing room for new tactics and player roles, especially in midfield and attack.

Japan is also expected to field a modified lineup due to injuries, notably missing forward Mitoma. Their probable starting eleven is: Zion Suzuki; Seko, Watanabe, Junnosuke Suzuki; Ito, Sano, Tanaka, and Nakamura; Doan and Ogawa.

The match will receive extensive coverage in Brazil, with broadcasts on TV Globo, Sportv, and Ge TV, allowing fans to follow the action live. Ancelotti emphasizes a balanced approach to gameplay, aiming to combine Brazil’s flair with defensive solidity.

Historically, Brazil has a favorable record against Japan, winning 11 of their last 13 encounters. A win for Brazil is anticipated, with predictions suggesting a scoreline of Japan 1, Brazil 3, reflecting their historic dominance.