Brazil travels to Asia once again to face Japan in their next international match on Saturday at Singapore’s National Stadium.
Japan vs Brazil – Match preview and team news
- Date: Saturday, 14th Novemeber.
- Kick-off: 10:15am BST.
- Venue: National Stadium, Singapore.
Japan team news
Head coach Hajime Moriyasu enters today’s friendly in Singapore facing a significant injury crisis that rules out several regular starters.
Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma, versatile defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, and first-choice striker Ayase Ueda are all unavailable, forcing Moriyasu to test his squad’s depth against elite opposition.
Despite these high-profile absences, Japan is expected to stick to its familiar 3-4-2-1 tactical setup. Ko Itakura will anchor the three-man defensive line alongside Ayumu Seko and Hiroki Ito, shielding goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.
In midfield, Daichi Kamada and Ao Tanaka will look to control tempo and absorb Brazil’s pressure, flanked by wing-backs Yukinari Sugawara and Keito Nakamura.
Further forward, Takefusa Kubo and Daizen Maeda are slated to operate in the creative pockets behind lone striker Koki Ogawa, aiming to exploit Brazil’s experimental backline with quick transitions and high pressing.
Brazil team news
Manager Carlo Ancelotti has opted for an experimental, youthful roster for Brazil’s final international window of 2026, leaving out established veterans like Alisson Becker, Marquinhos, and Matheus Cunha, while forward João Pedro misses out due to a thigh injury.
Barcelona star Raphinha has been handed the captain’s armband and is fit to start—potentially in a central attacking role—though his minutes will be carefully managed following a recent muscle issue.
Midfielder Bruno Guimarães also had his training load monitored earlier in the week but is cleared to feature alongside Andrey Santos and youngster Rayan.
In defence, Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhães brings vital experience to a fresh-looking unit that includes Wesley, Jair Cunha, and Douglas Santos ahead of goalkeeper Pedro Morisco.
Up front, exciting teenager Estêvão and Real Madrid superstar Vinícius Júnior are expected to join Raphinha in a dynamic, pace-heavy attacking trio.
Form
Japan
Japan enters today’s friendly in strong form, riding a four-match unbeaten streak since their narrow 2–1 loss to Brazil in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32. During the September and October international windows, Hajime Moriyasu’s side secured impressive victories over Uruguay (3–1), Venezuela (2–1), and New Zealand (2–1), alongside a gritty 0–0 draw against Ecuador. Having scored in 14 of their last 15 games, the Samurai Blue possess formidable attacking momentum.
Brazil
Brazil arrives in Singapore boasting strong attacking form, going undefeated across three post-World Cup friendlies while scoring nine goals. Following their 2–1 Round of 16 exit against Norway at the 2026 World Cup, Carlo Ancelotti’s squad bounced back with a 1–1 draw and a 4–2 victory against Australia in September, before cruising to a dominant 4–0 win over India in October. Overall, the Seleção have won three of their last five outings.
Predicted lineups
Japan: Z. Suzuki; Seko, Itakura, Ito; Sugawara, Kamada, Tanaka, Nakamura; Kubo, Maeda; Ogawa
Brazil: Bento; Wesley, Jair Cunha, Gabriel, Augusto; Bontempo, Gomes, Santos; Rayan, Endrick, Vinicius Jr
How to watch Japan vs Brazil?
The Japan vs. Brazil international friendly is not available to watch live on TV or via an official live stream in the UK.
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