Brazil and Japan Unveil Starting Lineups for FIFA World Cup 2026 Showdown

As Brazil prepares to face Japan in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026, both teams have announced their starting lineups. Neymar Jr will begin the match on the bench, having recently returned from injury. This article provides insights into the lineups and key players to watch in this exciting clash. Discover how both teams are set to compete in this pivotal match.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 29, 2026, 23:53 IST

Brazil vs Japan: Starting Lineups Announced

Houston, Texas - On June 29, Brazil and Japan revealed their starting lineups for the Round of 32 match in the FIFA World Cup 2026, set to take place on Monday. Notably, Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr will start the game on the bench for the five-time champions.

Neymar, who was also a substitute in Brazil's last group-stage match against Scotland, made his return to the field after recovering from a calf injury. He played his first match since 2023, coming on late in Brazil's 3-0 victory over Scotland on June 24.

This match marked Neymar's first appearance in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 and his first competitive game for Brazil since suffering a significant anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in October 2023 during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. This injury sidelined him for a considerable time, affecting his participation in Brazil's qualification efforts.

In the match against Scotland, Neymar replaced Matheus Cunha in the 76th minute, marking his fourth appearance in the FIFA World Cup, having previously played in the 2014, 2018, and 2022 tournaments.

For the upcoming clash against Japan, Brazil's lineup features Alisson as the goalkeeper, supported by defenders Gabriel Magalhaes, Marquinhos (the captain), Danilo, and Douglas Santos. The midfield includes Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes, and Lucas Paqueta, while the attacking trio consists of Vinicius Junior, Matheus Cunha, and Rayan.

Japan's starting XI includes Zion Suzuki in goal, with a defensive line of Shogo Taniguchi, Hiroki Ito, and Takehiro Tomiyasu. The midfield is led by captain Ritsu Doan, alongside Daizen Maeda, Keito Nakamura, Junya Ito, Daichi Kamada, and Kaishu Sano, with Ayase Ueda positioned as the sole striker.

Here are the lineups for the Brazil vs Japan Round of 32 match:

Brazil: Alisson (GK), Gabriel Magalhães, Marquinhos, Danilo, Douglas Santos, Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, Lucas Paqueta, Vinicius Junior, Matheus Cunha, Rayan

Japan: Zion Suzuki (GK), Shogo Taniguchi, Hiroki Ito, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ritsu Doan, Daizen Maeda, Keito Nakamura, Junya Ito, Daichi Kamada, Kaishu Sano, Ayase Ueda.