Japan Brace for Brazil in World Cup Knockout Stage

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Japan prepares for a high-stakes Round of 32 clash against Brazil on Monday, June 29 local time, after securing a place in the 2026 World Cup knockout stage. A senior official from the Embassy of Japan in Indonesia said the team's strong performances in recent years have boosted confidence that the Blue Samurai can compete with the world's best.

Speaking on Voice of Indonesia's World Cup program Deep Talk Soccer Fiesta!, Director of the Information and Culture Section Hoshino Daisuke said Japan's football standards have risen significantly, supported by the increasing number of players competing in Europe's top leagues. He noted that 23 of the 26 members of the current national team are based at European clubs, reflecting the squad's strength and international experience.

While acknowledging that winning the World Cup remains a difficult challenge, Daisuke said the team is aiming high. He pointed to statements from head coach Hajime Moriyasu and star midfielder Takefusa Kubo, who have publicly declared their ambition to lift the trophy.

Discussing key players, Daisuke said Japan has sufficient depth despite injury concerns affecting several important members of the squad. For the Round of 32 match against Brazil, Takefusa Kubo is doubtful to play the full 90 minutes because of a knee problem, leaving Daizen Maeda and Takumi Minamino to lead Japan's attack.

Japan advanced from Group F after facing the Netherlands, Sweden, and Tunisia, finishing as unbeaten runners-up with 5 points. They closed the group stage with a 1–1 draw against Sweden.

The knockout-stage match between Brazil and Japan will be held at Houston Stadium. The winner of this match moves on to the Round of 16, where they will face either Côte d’Ivoire or Norway at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 5.

After advancing from the group stage, Daisuke said that reaching the quarter-finals, which would be uncharted territory for Japan, represents one of the most significant milestones. However, winning the tournament remains the team's ultimate goal.