Brazil will have more than a place in the World Cup last 16 at stake when they face Japan on Monday, with Carlo Ancelotti's side eager to avenge a shock defeat suffered early in the Italian’s reign, reports Reuters.
The five-time world champions take on Japan in the Round of 32 in Houston, months after squandering a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 in a friendly in Tokyo in October 2025. It was Japan's first victory over Brazil in 14 meetings, achieved with three goals in less than 20 minutes after halftime.
The defeat highlighted the scale of the task facing Ancelotti, who had taken charge after leaving Real Madrid with just a year to rebuild a struggling Brazil side ahead of the World Cup.
Brazil entered the Ancelotti era on the back of their worst-ever South American qualifying campaign, finishing fifth after working under four different coaches.
With only five international windows available before naming his 26-man World Cup squad, Ancelotti expanded Brazil's preparation by arranging matches against teams from Asia, Europe and Africa.
The Asian tour began impressively with a 5-0 victory over South Korea in Seoul before Brazil collapsed against Japan despite taking a 2-0 lead inside 35 minutes.
Monday's encounter, however, presents a fresh challenge.
"They will probably be even more motivated," Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said after his team's 1-1 draw with Sweden secured second place in Group F behind the Netherlands.
"We will be facing a Brazil side that is determined to win. I'm looking forward to the match."
Japan will be without several key players who featured in last year's upset. Captain Wataru Endo, wingers Kaoru Mitoma and Takefusa Kubo, and forward Takumi Minamino- one of the scorers in Tokyo- are all unavailable due to injury.
Brazil, meanwhile, have evolved significantly. None of the defenders who started against Japan remain in Ancelotti's World Cup squad, and the team has gained momentum after opening the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Morocco.
Consecutive victories have restored confidence, with Vinicius Jr scoring four goals, while Neymar has returned to the national team after a three-year absence caused by persistent injuries.
"We're not perfect. We can improve, especially our speed on the ball. We need to move it quicker," Ancelotti said after Brazil's 3-0 win over Scotland.
"But I'm pleased because the team has improved a lot since the first match. Now it's a knockout competition and we need to show real grit."
The fixture also carries historical significance. Brazil have long influenced Japanese football, largely through Brazilian great Zico.
After successful spells with Flamengo, Udinese and Brazil, Zico joined Sumitomo Metal—later renamed Kashima Antlers—from 1991 to 1994, playing a pivotal role in the early development of Japan's professional game. He later managed the club and currently serves as its technical adviser.
Zico also coached Japan between 2002 and 2006, leading them to the 2004 Asian Cup title before guiding the team to the 2006 World Cup, where Brazil eliminated them with a 4-1 group-stage victory.
With recent disappointment and historical ties adding extra intrigue, both teams head into Monday's clash with unfinished business.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
