Brazil vs Japan LIVE: Neymar starts on bench as World Cup last-32 clash edges nearer

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The Independent

·29 de junho de 2026

Brazil vs Japan LIVE: Neymar starts on bench as World Cup last-32 clash edges nearer

Brazil ramp up their push for a sixth star as they begin their World Cup knockouts campaign against dark horses Japan.

After an underwhelming start in a 1-1 draw with Morocco, Carlo Ancelotti’s side seem to have found their groove in North America after storming to successive 3-0 wins against Haiti and Scotland to top Group C.

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But they have by no means been handed a lay-up in the round of 32, with Japan yet to be beaten at these finals - and the Selecao will have bad memories of tonight’s opposition.

Japan actually got the better of Brazil in a friendly last October, coming from two goals down to stun the five-time World Cup winners 3-2 - might a repeat be in store?