The Japanese team reaches the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup with renewed confidence, projecting a possible victory over Brazil in the next match. The Asian team’s optimism is supported by a consistent phase and important results leading up to the tournament, including a recent favorable record against the Brazilian team itself. Players, however, express concern about Neymar’s individual talent, recognizing him as a central threat.
Japanese optimism after heroic qualification for the knockout stage
Qualifying for the second phase of the 2026 World Cup boosted the morale of the Japan team, generating an atmosphere of optimism within the squad. The team secured their place in the knockout stages with a 1-1 draw against Sweden, in a match played this Thursday, valid for the third round of Group F. This result consolidated the good performance of the Japanese in the world cup.
Striker Maeda highlighted the group’s belief in their ability to overcome their next opponent. He emphasized that, despite the expected difficult game against Brazil, the team has the resources to emerge victorious. “If we can put into practice what we have built so far, yes, I think we can win,” said the player, highlighting the need for adequate recovery and preparation.
Undefeated streak and recent victory over the Brazilian team
Japan arrived in the United States for the World Cup with a record of remarkable performance, which fuels current hopes. The team was leader of the Asian Qualifiers and recorded just three defeats in its last 30 games, covering friendlies, qualifying matches and the first phase of the World Cup itself. This impressive sequence demonstrates the solidity and evolution of Japanese football.
One of the most emblematic results of this successful phase was the 3-2 victory over Brazil, in a friendly played in October 2025. This triumph, which occurred shortly before the start of the World Cup, serves as an important precedent for Japanese players, showing that they are capable of competing with and overcoming world football powers. This achievement added a tangible element of confidence to the delegation’s speech.
Belief in the current generation and Nagatomo’s experience
The current generation of Japanese athletes hopes to go beyond what was achieved in previous editions of the World Cup. In the country and among the delegation present in the United States, there is a strong conviction that this group has the potential to win the unprecedented world title. This expectation permeates even more experienced players.
Left-back Nagatomo, who is competing in the tournament for the fifth time in his career, reflects this optimism. “Brazil is a very strong team, as it always has been. It will be a very difficult game”, acknowledged the veteran. However, he adds that the Japanese team is also very good and should enter the field with the mentality that they can, in fact, win the match.
The challenge of containing Neymar and Brazil’s offensive power
Despite their confidence, the Japanese team does not underestimate the strength of their next opponent, Brazil. Concern about striker Neymar is a recurring theme in the Asian delegation, considered one of the opponent’s main individual threats. Shirt number 5, Nagatomo, was asked directly about the Brazilian player.
Nagatomo was direct in stating that Neymar is a world-class athlete, requiring a lot of defensive attention. He, however, stressed that the concern extends to the entire Brazilian team, not limited to just the star player. The left-back has faced Brazil before and believes that, in this World Cup, the South Americans will present their best football, which increases their preparation for the challenge.
Highlights of the Japanese campaign before the clash
The Japanese team’s trajectory up to this point in the 2026 World Cup, and in its preparation, is marked by several points that justify the squad’s confidence.
- Isolated leadership in the Asian Qualifiers, demonstrating regional dominance.
- Only three defeats recorded in the last 30 games, considering friendlies and official matches.
- Significant 3-2 victory over Brazil in October 2025, a milestone in preparation.
- Decisive 1-1 draw with Sweden in the group stage, guaranteeing qualification for the knockout stage.
Facing one of the biggest challenges of the World Cup, Japan’s national team is preparing to face Brazil with a mixture of confidence in its own strength and respect for its opponent. The match promises to be a crucial test for the Japanese ambitions in this tournament.