Where to watch Brazil vs. Japan live: lineups, South Korean refereeing, and 2026 World Cup prep Por Luís Henrique Costa
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The Brazilian national team takes on Japan this Tuesday, October 14, 2025, in Tokyo, during the FIFA international break. The match kicks off at 7:30 AM Brasília time at the Ajinomoto Stadium, as part of preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Coach Carlo Ancelotti leads the squad aiming to test tactics following a 5-0 thrashing of South Korea.
This clash marks Brazil’s second friendly in Asia during this international window. All tickets were sold out in advance, reflecting strong local interest. Japan, already qualified for the World Cup, holds the 19th spot in the FIFA rankings.
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- Live broadcast on TV Globo, narrated by Luis Roberto with commentary by Caio Ribeiro and Junior.
- SporTV coverage with Luiz Carlos Jr.’s narration and analysis by Eric Faria and Ricardinho.
- Real-time tracking on ge, including video highlights starting at 6:30 AM.
Historical record between the teams
Brazil and Japan have faced off 13 times since 1989, with 11 Brazilian victories and two draws. Their last encounter in 2022 ended 1-0 for Brazil, with Neymar scoring. Japan has never beaten the South American side.
Brazil has scored 35 goals against Japan’s five in recent clashes. These figures highlight the historical dominance of Ancelotti’s team.
Changes in Brazil’s lineup
Ancelotti makes eight changes from the South Korea match. Only Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, and Vini Jr. remain as starters. The tactical setup shifts from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-3-3 to test midfield options.
Caio Henrique may feature at left-back during the game. João Gomes and Joelinton await opportunities from the bench. The rotation aims to evaluate players for the World Cup.
Hugo Souza takes the goal, with Fabrício Bruno and Lucas Beraldo forming the center-back pairing. Paulo Henrique and Carlos Augusto cover the flanks, while Lucas Paquetá drives the midfield. Luiz Henrique and Gabriel Martinelli support Vini Jr. in attack.
Japan’s probable lineup and absences
Coach Hajime Moriyasu fields Zion Suzuki in goal, with Seko, Watanabe, and Junnosuke Suzuki in defense. Ito, Sano, Tanaka, and Nakamura control the midfield, while Doan, Minamino, and Ogawa lead the attack.
Japan faces absences due to injuries, including Wataru Endo, Daizen Maeda, and Ko Itakura. Brighton’s attacker Mitoma is also sidelined by injury, weakening the offensive line.
The Japanese side is winless in their last three matches: draws against Mexico and Paraguay and a loss to the United States. Despite qualifying for the World Cup, the focus remains on improving team performance.
Refereeing and match logistics
South Korean referee Kim Jong-hyeok officiates his first Brazil match, joined by assistants Kyun-yong Park and Jang Jong-pil. Ko Hyung-jin serves as the fourth official, with VAR details still unconfirmed.
The Ajinomoto Stadium, with a 50,000 capacity, hosts a sold-out crowd. The match is part of a November schedule featuring games against Senegal and Tunisia. In March 2026, Brazil faces France and another European opponent, possibly Croatia or the Netherlands.
Brazil’s upcoming schedule
After this friendly, the team returns in November for two matches in Africa. Senegal and Tunisia will test the defense in challenging settings. These games aim to solidify Ancelotti’s core squad.
A final test is set for June 2026, just before the World Cup debut in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The current rotation helps identify key players for the tournament.
Brazil seeks consistency after an uneven qualifiers campaign, securing eight wins in 18 matches.
